Palliative doctor in the murder trial: 15 victims and further investigations!

Palliative doctor in the murder trial: 15 victims and further investigations!

A frightening case is currently occupying the courts in Berlin. A 40-year-old palliative care doctor is suspected of killing at least 15 people between September 2021 and July 2024. This is what our colleagues report PZ News. In addition to the already known victims, whose ages range from a 25-year-old to a 94-year-old, the public prosecutor's office is now examining an additional 72 cases.

The prosecution accuses the doctor of murder out of treachery and base motives. What is particularly shocking is the fact that he carried out these acts without medical indication and without the knowledge of those affected. Hundreds of documents were evaluated by the murder squad of the Berlin LKA, and in 15 cases the bodies were exhumed and examined for forensic medicine.

Investigation details and negotiation

The investigation was triggered, among other things, by mysterious fires that the doctor himself is said to have lit in order to cover up his actions. The 13 co-plaintiffs include relatives of the patients who died and who want to have their say during the trial. The trial is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. next Monday, and 35 trial dates have already been set until January 28, 2026.

Another aspect that upsets the investigation is the death of the doctor's mother-in-law. It is assumed that she also died from him because she was suffering from a serious form of cancer. In addition, there are considerations to determine the doctor's particular debts and to place him in preventive detention. In comparison, this case is already considered one of the most extensive murder cases in Germany, similar to the notorious Niels Högel, who was convicted of 85 murders.

Background and social dimension

The case shines a bright light on a problem that often remains hidden in the healthcare system. Studies show that homicides in hospitals and nursing facilities are not uncommon, as the latter are often viewed as natural causes of death. Between 1970 and 2006, 43 documented serial killings with 305 confirmed victims were recorded worldwide, and such offenses are more common than expected, especially among medical staff. Greater awareness and preventive measures could potentially help prevent further acts, according to research from Medical Journal.

What happened to the palliative care doctor is not only a shocking crime, but also an alarming wake-up call to society to think about how we deal with the issue of dying and death in our care facilities. A more careful look could help make the invisible more visible and identify potential dangers early.

We will stay tuned and report on the developments of the process and the associated social issues.