Berlin authorities have reported the arrest of a 39-year-old doctor suspected of causing the deaths of four elderly patients under his care, in addition to trying to conceal the evidence by setting fires in their residences. The doctor, a member of a palliative care team from a nursing service, was taken into custody on Tuesday and is currently detained pending a potential indictment as per police and prosecutors. To comply with privacy laws in Germany, the doctor’s identity has not been disclosed.
The allegations against the doctor involve the deaths of four patients who were receiving care from the nursing service in June and July. The exact method used by the doctor to cause the deaths is not yet determined. Furthermore, it is believed that the suspect made attempts, with varying levels of success, to ignite fires in the homes of the victims to cover up the incidents.
The sequence of events began on June 11 when emergency responders managed to revive an 87-year-old woman who was one of the victims, although she later passed away at the hospital. Subsequently, on July 8, a 76-year-old woman was reportedly killed by the suspect. Additional incidents involving the deaths of a 72-year-old woman on July 15 and a 94-year-old woman on July 24 unfolded.
Authorities have not disclosed the circumstances leading to the doctor’s arrest or provided any insights into a possible motive behind the alleged actions. The doctor is currently detained on suspicion of manslaughter, as well as one charge of arson and three counts of attempted arson.
