A palyative care doctor in the capital city of Berlin, Germany, is alleged to have administered anesthesia and muscle relaxants to patients without their consent. The doctor is accused of killing 15 people.

German prosecutors have claimed that the palyative care doctor in Berlin deliberately acted with an “intent to kill” by allegedly murdering 15 of his patients.

The 40-year-old suspect is accused of using a deadly sedative cocktail to kill 12 women and three men between September 2021 and July 2024.

While the suspect’s name is reported as Johannes M. in German media, prosecutors have not yet provided a name.

In a statement from the Berlin prosecutor’s office, it is alleged that the doctor administered anesthesia and muscle relaxants to patients without their knowledge or consent. The muscle relaxant paralyzed the respiratory muscles, causing respiratory arrest leading to death within minutes. The victims being cared for at the time ranged in age from 25 to 94.

In five incidents, prosecutors claimed that the suspect allegedly “set his apartment on fire to cover up these murders.”

Reports citing the German News Agency DPA referred to the doctor being in custody since August 2024 for the deaths of four individuals.

However, it was emphasized that the number of individuals killed by the doctor increased from 8 to 10, and now to 15, following examinations of exhumed bodies by forensic experts. The ongoing investigation was highlighted, with the possibility of the death toll rising.

The report mentioned that a investigation team from the Berlin Homicide Department continued to review documents related to the doctor’s patients and evaluate any clues from caregiving companies.