A German palliative care doctor was convicted on July 8, 2026, for the murders of 15 patients and sentenced to life in prison. The 41-year-old doctor, referred to as Johannes M., was found guilty of killing 12 women and three men between September 2021 and July 2024 using lethal combinations of sedatives. Prosecutors alleged that he set fire to the victims' apartments on at least five occasions to conceal the crimes. The presiding judge, Sylvia Busch, indicated that the conviction might represent only a fraction of his potential crimes, with prosecutors suspecting he may have killed over 70 others.
According to the Berlin prosecutor's office, Johannes M. administered anesthetics and muscle relaxants to his patients without their consent, leading to respiratory failure and death. During the trial, prosecutors sought a life sentence, measures to prevent early release, and a lifetime ban from practicing medicine. Johannes M. confessed to killing people and expressed regret for the suffering he caused. The victims ranged in age from 25 to 94 years old.
The investigation into Johannes M.'s actions began after care services raised suspicions, leading to his arrest in August 2024. The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile cases in Germany involving medical professionals accused of similar crimes.