A Berlin palliative care doctor is under investigation for allegedly killing eight patients, as announced by the public prosecutor's office on November 28, 2024. Initially arrested in August for the murder of four patients, the investigation has expanded following the discovery of four additional potential victims. The suspect, a 40-year-old male, is accused of administering lethal doses of medication and subsequently setting fire to the victims' apartments to conceal his crimes. The prosecutor's office has indicated that the motive appears to be a 'lust for murder,' with no medical justification for the actions taken against the patients, who were not in an acute dying phase at the time of their deaths.
The investigation began after suspicious fires were linked to the doctor's actions, prompting a deeper inquiry into his patient records. Forensic examinations have led to the exhumation of bodies to gather further evidence, confirming suspicions about the deaths of two women aged 70 and 61, and two men aged 70 and 83. The nursing service where the doctor worked expressed shock and is cooperating with authorities to ensure a thorough investigation.