Systematic analysis of homicidal poisonings in Germany

Homicidal poisonings receive considerable media attention but have so far received too little attention in research. This study therefore aimed to analyze homicidal poisonings from Germany to gain a better understanding of this complex topic and to better investigate or even prevent future cases. Online archives of German magazines and newspapers were searched and 63 cases from 1948-2023 were collected and evaluated. 70% of the reported cases were fatal. Perpetrators were more often women and the victims more often men. While the perpetrators were usually middle-aged, the victims were usually very young or very old. Homicidal poisonings have complex causes. The largest group of perpetrators were people who killed their partners due to relationship problems. The second largest group was medical personnel who poisoned patients, which is why the substances most frequently used were medications. The motives were often stress and excessive demands, the desire to exert power, or even to gain sympathy. Oral application of compounds by food and drink was the most common mode of poisoning, gastrointestinal symptoms being the most common signs of poisoning. In earlier decades, poisoning with the irreversible acetylcholine esterase inhibitor E605 was common. Narcotics and metals play important in poisoning as well, but many compound classes are used, often accessible over-the-counter or online. Medical doctors and hospital staff play an important role in the diagnosis of poisoning. In conclusion, some typical patterns of homicidal poisoning emerged, facilitating future investigations and prevention.