Woman suspected of pulling plug on elderly patient in Haifa, killing him
Suspect apparently worked as carer for alleged victim, late wife; defense attorney says client denies role in death
Michael Horovitz is a breaking news editor at The Times of Israel
Police on Friday arrested a woman suspected of disconnecting the respirator of an elderly patient at Haifa’s Rambam Medical Center, causing his death.
Doctors said they found the 97-year-old man — who was hospitalized earlier this week on Memorial Day due to an unspecified illness — detached from the machine and were forced to declare him dead overnight.
Police said they opened an investigation and detained a 33-year-old suspected of involvement.
Hebrew media outlets reported that the woman worked as a carer for the man and his late wife.
The suspect’s defense lawyer stated his client denied the accusations and claimed that the elderly patient died of natural causes.
She is set to attend a hearing at the Haifa Magistrate’s Court on Friday afternoon where police are expected to request an extension of her remand.
A police official told Channel 12 news that if evidence mounts against the suspect, they may launch a murder probe.
The Times of Israel Community.