Investigation into Alleged Murders by Berlin Palliative Care Doctor
A 40-year-old palliative care doctor in Berlin is under investigation for allegedly killing eight patients, as confirmed by the Berlin public prosecutor's office. Initially arrested in August 2024 for the murders of four patients aged 72 to 94, the investigation has since revealed a broader scope of potential victims. The prosecutor's office stated that the doctor is suspected of administering a lethal mixture of medications to his patients, who were seriously ill but not in an acute dying phase at the time of their deaths.
The investigation began following a series of suspicious fires in the apartments of the victims, which the doctor allegedly set to cover up his crimes. The initial four cases occurred between June 11 and July 24, 2024, but further inquiries led to the exhumation of two bodies and the discovery of additional victims, including a 70-year-old woman in June 2022 and others in early 2024. The doctor is currently in custody and has not commented on the allegations.
Historical Context of Medical Crimes in Germany
This case recalls the notorious actions of Niels Högel, a former nurse sentenced to life imprisonment for murdering at least 85 patients in Lower Saxony. Högel's case, which involved inducing cardiac arrests to appear heroic, has raised concerns about patient safety in medical settings. The recent allegations against the Berlin doctor highlight ongoing issues within the healthcare system regarding oversight and accountability. The nursing service where the doctor worked expressed shock at the allegations and is cooperating with the investigation, emphasizing the need for thorough clarification of the events surrounding these tragic incidents.
