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100 Years Later: Fritz Haarmann's Crimes and Legacy Reexamined

Marking the centennial of his execution, new reflections on Haarmann's brutal murders, cultural impact, and unresolved controversies emerge.

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, the 'Werwolf von Hannover,' was executed on April 15, 1925, for the murders of at least 24 boys and young men between 1918 and 1924.
  • Haarmann's crimes involved strangulation, biting victims' throats, and dismemberment, with many remains discarded in the Leine River.
  • As a police informant, Haarmann evaded suspicion for years, exploiting his relationship with law enforcement to continue his crimes.
  • The case has inspired enduring cultural fascination, including films, musicals, literature, and city tours in Hannover, cementing its place in popular memory.
  • Unresolved questions persist about the true number of victims and allegations of cannibalism, with some experts suggesting the death toll may exceed the 24 confirmed cases.