Doctor Accused of Murdering Patients with Medication Denies Charges in Hannover Trial

A 49-year-old doctor is facing murder charges in Hannover, Germany, accused of intentionally killing two severely ill patients with medication and attempting to end the life of another. The trial began at the Regional Court of Hannover, where the defense vehemently denied the allegations.

"These accusations are not true," stated defense attorney Jürgen Hoppe, asserting that his client did not act with murderous intent but rather sought to alleviate the suffering of his patients. The prosecution, however, maintains that the doctor administered fatal doses of medication to two patients who died in 2020 and 2025, respectively. He is also accused of attempting to kill an 82-year-old woman in 2019 while working as an emergency doctor.

According to the indictment, the doctor was called to assist the 82-year-old woman, who was suffering from dementia. Instead of providing further treatment or transferring her to a hospital, the prosecution alleges he attempted to kill her with medication. She reportedly only fell asleep, prompting him to administer further doses of fentanyl, leading to her death the following night.

The doctor, who remains in custody, is charged with murder and attempted murder in conjunction with dangerous bodily harm. The other alleged victims were a 20-year-old who died in June 2020 and a 71-year-old who died in March 2025. Prosecutors claim the doctor terminated the therapies of these severely ill patients and then administered medication to end their lives.

The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about end-of-life care, medical ethics, and the boundaries of physician-assisted compassion. The court will now weigh the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense to determine the doctor's culpability.

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These accusations are not true.