Peter Kürten

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Peter Kürten

Peter Kürten (1883-1931) was a German serial killer known as the "Vampire of Düsseldorf." He committed a series of murders and sexual assaults in the early 20th century, terrorizing the city of Düsseldorf and surrounding areas.

Early Life

Peter Kürten was born on May 26, 1883, in Mülheim am Rhein, Germany. He had a troubled childhood, experiencing abuse and neglect from his parents. Kürten's early life was marked by violence and criminal behavior, leading to his first arrest at the age of nine for arson.

Criminal Activities

Kürten's criminal activities escalated in the 1920s when he began a series of violent attacks, including murders and sexual assaults. His crimes were characterized by extreme brutality and sadism, earning him the nickname "Vampire of Düsseldorf." Kürten's victims ranged from children to adults, and he showed no remorse for his actions.

Capture and Trial

In 1931, Peter Kürten was finally captured and arrested for his crimes. He confessed to a series of murders and was put on trial for multiple counts of homicide. Kürten's trial garnered significant media attention and public interest due to the gruesome nature of his crimes.

Execution

Peter Kürten was found guilty of nine murders and seven attempted murders. On July 2, 1931, he was sentenced to death and executed by guillotine in Cologne, Germany. His case remains one of the most infamous in criminal history, highlighting the depths of human depravity.

Legacy

The case of Peter Kürten continues to fascinate criminologists and psychologists, serving as a chilling reminder of the capacity for extreme violence within individuals. Kürten's crimes have been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries exploring the dark psychology of serial killers.