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3w ago

100 Years After Execution, Fritz Haarmann's Crimes Continue to Captivate and Confound

A century later, the 'Butcher of Hannover' remains a subject of cultural fascination and historical debate over his victim count and investigative failures.

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Im Haus in der Roten Reihe 2 (Pfeil) in Hannovers Calenberger Neustadt tötete der deutsche Serienmörder Fritz Haarmann die meisten seiner mindestens 24 Opfer
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Overview

  • Fritz Haarmann, convicted of murdering at least 24 boys and young men, was executed on April 15, 1925, by beheading—his requested method of execution.
  • Haarmann's gruesome methods, including strangulation and throat-biting, and his role as a police informant initially shielded him from suspicion despite early warnings.
  • Renewed attention highlights unresolved questions, with experts suggesting the actual victim count may exceed the 24 killings for which Haarmann was convicted.
  • The case has become a cultural phenomenon, inspiring films, musicals, literature, and even city tours in Hannover, where Haarmann committed his crimes.
  • Scholars and historians continue to debate the investigative oversights and the complexities surrounding Haarmann's mental state and culpability at the time of his crimes.