Prosecutors announced Wednesday that a doctor faces murder charges in connection with the deaths of 15 palliative care patients. He is also accused of arson, allegedly setting fires in the patients’ homes to conceal evidence.

The doctor, a member of an end-of-life care team, was initially suspected in only four deaths. However, since last summer, the number of suspected victims has risen. Investigators now claim to have uncovered evidence linking him to 15 deaths that occurred between September 22, 2021, and July 24 of the following year.

The victims ranged in age from 25 to 94. The majority of them died in their residences.

Reportedly, he administered an anesthetic and a muscle relaxant to the patients without their knowledge or consent. Prosecutors stated that this combination of drugs allegedly caused paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory arrest and death within minutes.

The 40-year-old doctor, whose identity has been withheld in accordance with German privacy laws, has been in detention since August 6. Prosecutors stated on Wednesday that he has not yet commented on the allegations against him.

The charges have been filed with the Berlin state court, which will now determine whether the case will proceed to trial and, if so, when the trial will take place.

Murder convictions carry a maximum penalty. Prosecutors intend to request that the court determine the suspect bears particularly severe guilt, which would preclude him from being released after the standard 15-year period in Germany. They are also seeking a lifetime ban from practicing medicine.