German authorities have arrested a 40-year-old Berlin doctor who is suspected of killing eight their patients. In some of the cases, the medic tried to cover his tracks by starting fires, the Associated Press reported. and News.bg.
Investigation and initial evidence
The doctor was part of a palliative care team working with seriously ill patients. The initial investigation found that he was involved in the deaths of four people, but it was later confirmed that the potential victims were eight in total.
Police and prosecutors have reviewed medical records and performed forensic examinations on the alleged victims, including exhuming two bodies.
Case Details
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January: The first incident was related to the death of a 70-year-old man who was given a lethal dose of medication by a medic.
- April: A 61-year-old woman died in a similar case at the beginning of the month.
- Same month: A few weeks later, an 83-year-old hospice patient in Berlin also fell victim.
- Fourth case: The medic is accused of murdering a 70-year-old woman in her home and subsequently setting fire to her apartment. Thanks to the intervention of firefighters, the fire did not spread to the rest of the building.
Accusations and development of the case
The doctor was initially arrested on suspicion of manslaughter, arson and attempted arson. After deepening the investigation, however, the cases are now being considered as intentional murder, the state prosecution reported.
The investigation continues in order to clarify all the circumstances surrounding the actions of the detainees.