At a Glance
- A nurse in Germany convicted of murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others is currently serving a life sentence.
- Prosecutors in Aachen are opening a new inquiry that could identify up to 100 additional victims.
- Around 60 bodies are slated for exhumation to conduct fresh autopsies.
A German nurse convicted of murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others was sentenced to life in prison in November 2025. The convictions followed a trial that examined deaths that occurred while he worked the night shift at Rhein-Maus hospital in Würselen, a town 50 miles west of Bonn near the Netherlands border. He had been employed at the hospital since 2020.
Background
The Rhein-Maus hospital is part of the Aachen district health system. The hospital is located in Würselen, a municipality in North Rhine-Westphalia. The town lies 50 miles west of Bonn and borders the Netherlands. The hospital’s night-shift staff included the nurse who would later be convicted of multiple murders. The deaths that led to the conviction occurred between December 2023 and May 2024. The victims were seriously ill patients who received large doses of sedatives and painkillers during their stays. The nurse’s employment began in 2020 and continued until his arrest.
Conviction Details
In November 2025, the court sentenced the nurse to life in prison for murdering 10 patients and attempting to murder 27 others. The trial concluded that the nurse had deliberately administered fatal doses of medication. Hospital administrators, police, prosecutors, and a jury of peers all rejected his claim that he did not realize he was giving lethal doses. The sentencing marked the end of the first phase of the investigation. The case was reported by the BBC and highlighted the severity of the crimes. The judge emphasized the impact on the victims’ families.
New Investigations
Chief public prosecutor Katja Schlenkermann-Pitts of Aachen has announced a new inquiry. She told the BBC that “a correspondingly high number of suspicious cases” are currently under review. The inquiry could uncover as many as 100 victims. Around 60 bodies are slated for exhumation so that new autopsies can be performed. The investigation focuses on cases that occurred before the nurse’s employment began in 2020. The inquiry is part of a broader effort to examine patient deaths at the hospital. The prosecutor’s statements were made in an interview with the BBC.
Prosecutor Statements
Katja Schlenkermann-Pitts emphasized that the investigation is extensive. She said that the number of suspicious cases warranted a deeper examination. The prosecutor also highlighted the need for thorough autopsy reports to confirm the causes of death. Her comments were made in an interview with the BBC. She reiterated that the investigation would continue until all evidence is reviewed. The prosecutor stressed the importance of transparency in the process.
Claims of Innocence
The nurse maintains his innocence. He has repeatedly stated that he did not realize he was administering fatal doses of medication to his patients. This claim has been dismissed by all parties involved in the case. The nurse’s statement has not altered the outcome of the trial. The court found no evidence supporting his claim. His continued assertion of innocence is noted in court documents.
Separate Inquiry in Cologne
Prosecutors in Cologne have launched a separate inquiry into the nurse’s work there. The Cologne investigation is parallel to the Aachen inquiry. It examines whether similar patterns of suspicious deaths occurred while the nurse was employed at the Cologne facility. The inquiry aims to identify any additional victims. The investigation is ongoing and will be updated as new evidence emerges. The Cologne prosecutors are coordinating with Aachen authorities.
Exhumation Details
The exhumation of 60 bodies will allow for new autopsies to be conducted. Authorities are still awaiting the reports from these examinations. The exhumation is part of the ongoing effort to determine whether additional victims exist. The process will involve forensic teams and medical examiners. The results will be reported to the public and the courts. The exhumation is expected to take several weeks.
Legal Process
The sentencing in November 2025 followed a comprehensive trial. The court considered evidence of sedative and painkiller administration. The jury found the nurse guilty of 10 murders and 27 attempted murders. The life sentence reflects the severity of the crimes. The legal process included appeals, but no appeals have been filed. The case remains under judicial review.
Hospital Details
Rhein-Maus hospital is located in Würselen, near Bonn. The hospital serves a regional population. It has a night shift that includes nursing staff. The facility has been subject to scrutiny following the convictions. Hospital administrators have cooperated with investigators. The hospital’s policies are under review for potential improvements. The facility remains operational.
Victim Deaths
The deaths that led to the conviction occurred between December 2023 and May 2024. The victims were seriously ill patients. They received large doses of sedatives and painkillers. The deaths were investigated by hospital staff. The investigation found evidence of foul play. The victims’ families were notified of the findings. The case has drawn public attention.
Examination Process
The investigation includes exhumation of bodies. New autopsies will be performed. Forensic teams will analyze evidence. The process will confirm causes of death. The findings will be presented to the court. The autopsy reports are pending. The investigation will continue as new data emerges.
Prosecutors’ Approach
Prosecutors are reviewing suspicious cases. They are exhuming bodies for autopsies. They are coordinating with forensic experts. They are seeking to identify additional victims. They are following established legal procedures. They are communicating with the public through media releases. Their approach is systematic.
Current Status
The investigation is ongoing. The exhumation is underway. The autopsy reports are awaited. The case is under judicial scrutiny. The nurse remains in prison. The investigation will update as new evidence is obtained. The authorities are working to ensure transparency.
Conclusion
The case highlights serious concerns about patient safety. The investigation remains active and thorough. The public awaits further findings. The legal process will continue to unfold. The story remains under close observation.
