Frédéric Péchier, 53, stands accused of poisoning 30 patients in Besançon clinics between 2008 and 2017. Twelve victims died. He faces life imprisonment if convicted. Authorities first investigated him after Sandra Simard, 36, suffered cardiac arrest during a routine operation in January 2017. Tests later revealed a lethal potassium dose in her anaesthesia bag.
Prosecution Alleges Deliberate Sabotage
Prosecutors claim Péchier contaminated infusion pouches to professionally undermine colleagues. They say he stepped in during resuscitations, appearing as the savior. Victims ranged in age from 4 to 89. Authorities connected dozens of suspicious incidents to him, alleging he always had a solution when crises emerged.
Defence Insists on Innocence
Péchier denies all charges and remains under judicial supervision, not custody. His lawyers say he intends to prove his innocence. Banned from practising medicine, he faces what victims’ lawyers call a “dizzying” trial due to its scope, duration, and complexity. The proceedings are expected to run until December.
