Killers: Behind the Myth Season 1 Episode 3 Kroll: The Duisburg Cannibal

In Killers: Behind the Myth season 1 episode 3, viewers are introduced to the case of Joachim Kroll, also known as the Duisburg Cannibal. Kroll was a notorious serial killer in Germany who is believed to have raped and murdered at least 14 people between 1955 and 1976.

The episode begins with an overview of Kroll's childhood, which was marked by poverty and abuse. Kroll was one of eight children, and his parents struggled to provide for their large family. Kroll's father was an alcoholic and would often beat his children, while his mother was emotionally distant.

As a child, Kroll was fascinated with fire and would often set small fires in the woods near his home. He also showed an early interest in animals, regularly trapping and killing small animals. According to his family members, Kroll had a difficult time in school and struggled with basic literacy and numeracy skills. He dropped out of school at the age of 14 and began working odd jobs to support himself.

The episode then moves on to Kroll's adult life, which was characterized by loneliness and isolation. Kroll never married or had children, and he struggled to maintain relationships with other people. He worked as a laborer and was known to be a loner on the job site.

In the early 1970s, Kroll began committing a series of brutal murders in the Duisburg area. His victims were typically young girls or women who had intellectual disabilities or were otherwise vulnerable. Kroll would lure his victims to his home, where he would rape, torture, and murder them. He would then dismember their bodies and dispose of the remains in nearby lakes or rivers.

Despite the brutality of his crimes, Kroll was able to evade detection for many years. It wasn't until 1976, when he was caught in the act of dismembering a victim, that he was finally arrested. Kroll quickly confessed to his crimes and was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into Kroll's psychology and the factors that may have contributed to his violent behavior. Experts speculate that Kroll suffered from severe mental illness and that his difficult childhood may have played a role in shaping his personality. They also discuss the challenges of investigating serial killers, particularly those who are able to blend in with their communities and avoid suspicion.

Overall, Killers: Behind the Myth season 1 episode 3 provides a chilling look into one of Germany's most notorious serial killers. Through interviews with experts and family members, viewers are able to gain a deeper understanding of Kroll's personality and the factors that may have driven him to commit such heinous crimes.