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"15 Lives Allegedly Taken: Berlin's Palliative Doctor Under Scrutiny"
By an Aspirant Journalist
A Berlin palliative physician, Johannes M., faces charges of murder in the death of 15 individuals, as investigations delve into close to 100 suspected cases. With graves in Rudow, Lichtenrade, and Neukölln being dug up, the question remains: did this 66-year-old man also meet his untimely end due to the accused palliative physician's alleged wrongdoing?
Criminal investigators, cemetery personnel, and forensic pathologists gathered at a grave site Wednesday morning, under a police order to close the Evangelical cemetery in Rudow until 11:45 AM.
Thomas Petzold, spokesperson for the public prosecutor's office, confirmed the exhumation's connection to Johannes M.'s case. Unfortunately, details on additional planned or completed exhumations beyond Rudow remain uncertain.
For context, Johannes M. served as a doctor in the palliative team of a nursing service, suspected of committing 15 murders between September 22, 2021, and July 24, 2024. The victims ranged in age from 25 to 94 years old.
The public prosecutor's office initially charged Johannes M. with murder through deception and for low motives in April. Some reports suggest he may have also started fires to conceal some of the crimes.
Johannes M. has been in custody since August 2024, with the case initially involving four victims. As investigations and autopsies continued, the number of suspected victims grew: from eight to ten, and now stands at fifteen. Given the ongoing nature of the investigations, the final tally may rise.
The start date for the trial against the palliative physician remains elusive. Lisa Jani, spokesperson for the Berlin criminal courts, revealed the court could only provide more information within the upcoming week.
Mental health experts and health-and-wellness advocates are expressing concern about the alleged actions of the suspect, as the case of the Berlin palliative doctor has brought attention to therapies-and-treatments administered to patients in their final moments. The tragic circumstances surrounding this case may prompt a renewed discussion on the importance of mental health in end-of-life care.
