Overview
- The 2024 conviction of the 67-year-old anesthesiologist for offenses including bodily injury causing death was set aside, and the case was sent to a different chamber of the Frankfurt court.
- The court found the trial judges had set the threshold for murder and attempted murder too high and directed a fresh review of possible concealment intent or low motives.
- Established facts remain in place, including the repeated reuse of a propofol bottle that became heavily contaminated and the failure to start rescue measures despite signs of septic shock.
- The events took place on 28 September 2021 in a Kronberg dental practice, where a four-year-old girl died and three other children developed life-threatening sepsis.
- The judges flagged issues raised by prosecutors, including whether fear of professional consequences factored into the conduct, and a murder finding could mean a life sentence and a longer professional ban.