A German physician has been found guilty of murdering at least 15 patients, with the public prosecutor’s office announcing that investigations into 76 more potential cases are ongoing.
According to the investigation, the doctor administered lethal substances without medical necessity and without the patients’ knowledge. The trial lasted almost a year, during which the prosecution sought the harshest punishment—life imprisonment due to the severity of the crimes and a lifetime ban on practicing medicine.
Between September 2021 and July 2024, the doctor reportedly used home visits to inject fatal mixtures into patients, resulting in the deaths of 12 women and three men, aged between 25 and 94. Authorities stated that the doctor betrayed the trust of vulnerable patients, offering no help but committing heinous acts instead. In some instances, it was alleged that the accused attempted to cover up his crimes by setting fire to residences.
During the proceedings, the doctor initially refused to testify; however, he later admitted to 12 out of the 15 murders. “I am only now able to explain my actions and take responsibility for my deeds,” Johannes M. stated in court. He also expressed remorse to the victims’ families, acknowledging the pain he caused.
Investigators discovered traces of muscle relaxants, which can lead to respiratory failure without artificial ventilation, in some cases. They reviewed medical records for hundreds of patients and interviewed over 200 witnesses.
Following the verdict, the public prosecutor indicated that the investigation remains open, with the possibility of new charges against the doctor. This case could potentially be one of the largest serial murder trials in modern German history. Previously, the most notorious case involved former nurse Niels Högel, sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019 for the confirmed murders of 85 patients.
