BERLIN (AP) — A doctor in Berlin has been charged with murder concerning the deaths of 15 patients who were under palliative care, according to prosecutors. These serious allegations include attempting to conceal evidence through arson, as he reportedly started fires in the victims’ homes.
The accused, part of a nursing service's end-of-life care team, was initially linked to the suspicious deaths of four patients. However, investigations carried out since last summer have led to a higher tally. Prosecutors now assert they have found evidence connecting the 40-year-old doctor to the deaths of 15 individuals between September 22, 2021, and July 24, 2022.
The ages of the victims varied significantly, ranging from 25 to 94 years old, with the majority having died in the comfort of their own residences. Prosecutors allege that the doctor administered a combination of an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant to these patients without their knowledge or consent. This drug mixture is claimed to have paralyzed the respiratory muscles, resulting in respiratory arrest and subsequent death within a matter of minutes.
The doctor, whose identity has not been disclosed in accordance with German privacy regulations, has been in custody since August 6. As of now, prosecutors have stated that he has yet to respond to the charges levied against him. The case has been filed with the Berlin state court, which is responsible for determining whether the case should proceed to trial, and if so, the timeline for doing so.
Murder charges in Germany carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. In light of the gravity of the accusations, prosecutors have indicated their intention to request that the court establishes the defendant’s guilt as particularly severe. Should the court grant this request, it could result in the doctor serving more than the usual 15 years before being eligible for release. Additionally, they seek a lifetime ban on his ability to practice medicine.
This case has captured considerable public attention, highlighting the ethical boundaries within the medical profession, especially concerning end-of-life care. The outcome could set significant precedents regarding how medical malpractice and intentional harm are addressed in palliative settings.
