German nurse sentenced to life imprisonment for killing 10 patients to reduce workload

In Germany, a palliative care nurse received a life sentence for killing 10 patients and attempting to kill 27 others. The indictment alleges that the man, whose name has not been disclosed, administered narcotic painkillers or sedatives to his mostly elderly patients in an attempt to ease his workload. The crimes were committed between December 2023 and May 2024 at a hospital in Würselen.

Source BBC

Prosecutors pointed out that the nurse showed “irritability” and a lack of empathy towards patients who needed more attention and care. During the trial in Aachen, it was noted that the defendant administered large doses of morphine and midazolam to patients in order to reduce his workload at night. The court ruling noted the particular seriousness of the crimes, meaning that the defendant will not be eligible for early release. Prosecutors have already begun exhuming bodies to identify new potential victims, which could lead to further trials.