Berlin Doctor Faces Murder Charges Over 15 Palliative Care Deaths in Shocking Case

Berlin prosecutors have charged a doctor with murder in the deaths of 15 palliative care patients, according to a statement released Wednesday. Authorities allege the doctor, who worked as part of a nursing service’s end-of-life care team, not only killed his patients but also tried to cover his tracks by setting fires in their homes. That's not your average malpractice case—this story reads more like a crime thriller than a medical drama.

Initially, suspicions swirled around the deaths of four patients in his care. But as investigators dug deeper, the list of suspected victims ballooned to 15, all of whom died between September 22, 2021, and July 24 of last year. The patients ranged widely in age, from just 25 up to 94, and most died in the supposed safety of their own homes.

Prosecutors allege the doctor administered a deadly combination of anesthetic and muscle relaxer to his patients—without their knowledge or consent. This drug mix reportedly led to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, causing rapid respiratory arrest and death within minutes. The chilling method, if proven, suggests a level of premeditation that's downright disturbing.

The accused, a 40-year-old man whose identity remains concealed under German privacy laws, has been held in custody since August 6. So far, he has not commented on the accusations against him, leaving a lot of unanswered questions hanging in the air.

The formal charges have now been submitted to the Berlin state court. The next step is for the court to decide whether to proceed to trial and, if so, to set a date. If convicted, the doctor faces a possible life sentence. Prosecutors are pushing for a finding of "particularly severe guilt," which would prevent the possibility of release after 15 years—a standard option under German law. They are also seeking a lifetime ban from practicing medicine.