Overview
- On Thursday the public prosecutor opened closing arguments and formally requested life imprisonment, a formal finding of particular severity of guilt, preventive detention (Sicherungsverwahrung) and a lifelong ban on medical practice.
- The defendant surprised the court last week by admitting to killing twelve seriously ill patients during house visits, and a court‑appointed psychiatric expert found him fully criminally responsible.
- Prosecutors say he gave an anaesthetic induction agent and then a muscle relaxant without medical indication to cause respiratory paralysis, and set fires in at least five flats to hide traces, claims backed by toxicology, exhumations, pharmacy records, movement data and monitored calls.
- Authorities are continuing a parallel probe into about 76 further suspected victims, and the court’s verdict is expected in the near term with reporting noting a latest estimate for judgment by 10 August.
- The accused’s victims ranged from 25 to 94 years old, relatives are acting as civil plaintiffs, and the prosecution argues the acts were committed with treachery and base motives; a finding of besondere Schwere der Schuld limits early parole and Sicherungsverwahrung permits continued detention after a prison term for public safety.