The Hinterkaifeck Murders: Germany’s Most Chilling Unsolved Crime

The Hinterkaifeck murders remain one of Germany's most perplexing unsolved crimes. On March 31, 1922, six members of the Gruber family were found murdered on their isolated farmstead in Bavaria. The victims included Andreas and Cäzilia Gruber, their daughter Viktoria Gabriel, her children Cäzilia and Josef, and the maid Maria Baumgartner.

Investigations revealed that the killer used a mattock, a farming tool, to commit the murders. Four bodies were discovered in the barn, likely lured there individually, while the maid and young Josef were found inside the house.

Strange occurrences preceded the murders. The family reported hearing footsteps in the attic and found a newspaper on their property that no one recognized. The previous maid had left, citing fears of the house being haunted.

After the murders, it appeared the killer remained on the farm for several days, feeding livestock, consuming meals, and lighting fires. Despite extensive investigations and numerous suspects, including family acquaintances and even Viktoria's presumed-dead husband, no one was ever charged

The Hinterkaifeck case continues to intrigue and horrify, symbolizing a chilling mystery that has withstood the test of time.