BERLIN — A doctor was arrested in Berlin on suspicion of killing four elderly patients and trying to cover up the evidence by setting fires to their homes, authorities said Wednesday.
The 39-year-old doctor, who was part of the palliative care team at a nursing facility, was ordered to remain in custody on Tuesday pending possible indictment, police and prosecutors said in a statement. His name has not been released in accordance with German privacy rules.
He is accused of killing four patients under the care of the nursing service in June and July, although investigators do not yet know how, and then trying – with mixed success – to set fire to their apartments.
In the first case, on June 11, firefighters who arrived at the scene managed to resuscitate the victim, an 87-year-old woman, but she died shortly afterwards in a hospital. On July 8, investigators say, the suspect killed a 76-year-old woman.
Other alleged murders of women, who were aged 72 and 94, occurred on July 15 and 24.
Investigators did not specify what led to the man’s arrest or say anything about a possible motive. He is being held on suspicion of manslaughter, as well as one count of arson and three counts of attempted arson.
This story originally appeared on ABCNews.go.com read the full story
