A court in western Germany has handed a life sentence to a 44-year-old palliative care nurse after finding him guilty of murdering 10 patients and attempting to kill 27 others. The acts were carried out at a hospital in Wuerselen near Aachen between December 2023 and May 2024. The Aachen Regional Court ruled that his crimes carry an exceptional level of guilt, which means he will not qualify for early release — a rare decision in Germany’s justice system.

Prosecutors said the nurse abused his position by giving elderly and vulnerable patients lethal doses of sedatives and painkillers like morphine and midazolam. The court heard that he acted as if he had the power to decide who lives or dies, showing no remorse during the trial. Investigators believe he was motivated by a desire to reduce his workload during night shifts.

During the trial, medical experts described the nurse as emotionally cold and lacking empathy. He reportedly suffered from a personality disorder and had worked in multiple medical facilities across Germany since starting his career in 2007. Authorities arrested him in mid-2024 after a rise in suspicious deaths triggered a deeper investigation.

German officials continue examining whether more victims may be connected to the case. Exhumations have already been carried out, and investigators say additional charges could follow. The case has shocked the country, raising serious concerns about patient safety and hospital oversight.