Frederic Pechier: Doctor charged with killing nine patients by ‘poisoning them during surgery’
Anaesthetist compared to a 'pyromaniac fireman' by prosecutors
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A French doctor poisoned up to two dozen patients during surgery so he could show off his skills by saving their lives, according to prosecutors.
Anaesthetist Frederic Pechier, 47, is suspected of injecting lethal doses of potassium chloride to trigger cardiac arrests on the operating table.
He has been charged over 24 suspicious incidents involving the deaths of nine people at a private clinic in the eastern city of Besancon.
“Pechier appears as the common denominator for these unfortunate and serious events that seem related to an acute conflict with other anaesthetists or surgeons at the Saint-Vincent clinic,” said prosecutor Etienne Manteaux.
The anaesthetist is believed to have tampered with the perfusion bags that deliver drugs and fluids to patients during benign surgeries.
His alleged victims were aged between four and 80 at the time of the incidents, which date back to 2008.
Dr Pechier’s colleagues are said to have become suspicious at how quickly he was able to diagnose the anaesthetic overdoses.
He was first placed under criminal investigation in May 2017 over seven poisonings. He was released but was brought in for questioning over a further 66 suspicious incidents earlier this week. Investigating magistrates found there was evidence to link him to 17 of those cases, bringing the total to 24.
Prosecutors claim he deliberately created the operating theatre emergencies to show off. They compared him to a “pyromaniac fireman”.
Dr Pechier, who has been suspended from practising, denies the charges but told reporters that his career was “over” whatever the outcome of the case.
“You cannot trust a doctor who, at one point, has been labelled a poisoner,” he said. “My family is broken and I am afraid for my children.”
He faces a life sentence if convicted of the allegations.
Additional reporting by Reuters
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments