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French Anesthetist Frédéric Péchier Sentenced to Life for Patient Poisonings

He maintains his innocence, planning an appeal.

Overview

  • A Besançon assize jury found Péchier guilty of poisoning 30 patients between 2008 and 2017 at two private clinics, with 12 deaths.
  • He becomes eligible to seek parole after 22 years, according to the court.
  • Prosecutors said he spiked pre-operative infusions to induce cardiac arrest, then attempted resuscitation in 23 cases to bolster his standing.
  • The lead prosecutor called him "Doctor Death," asserting he turned clinics into graveyards and shamed fellow doctors.
  • The defense argued the evidence was inconclusive and requested acquittal, as Péchier insisted, "I have never poisoned anyone," and plans to appeal.