Ep 7. Horst Kroener

Horst Kroener was a serial killer who terrorized Germany in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In World's Most Evil Killers season 2 episode 7, we dive deep into his disturbing story.

Kroener's childhood was marked by abuse and neglect from his alcoholic mother. He was also diagnosed with epilepsy, which caused him to have seizures and experience social ostracism from his peers. Despite these challenges, Kroener joined the German Army and served as a paratrooper.

After his military service, Kroener moved to Munich, where he began a string of violent crimes. He started with armed robberies and burglaries but soon escalated to rape and murder. He primarily targeted elderly women, often breaking into their homes and killing them with a hammer or other blunt object.

One of Kroener's victims was Maria Simon, an 82-year-old woman who lived in an apartment building where Kroener was a janitor. He had a master key that allowed him to access all the apartments, and he used it to enter Simon's home and brutally murder her.

Kroener's crimes went unsolved for years, as he managed to evade capture and avoid suspicion. However, in 1983 he was finally caught after he attacked a woman in her home and left behind evidence linking him to multiple murders.

During his trial, Kroener showed no remorse for his actions and even joked with the judge and attorneys. He was convicted of eight murders and sentenced to life in prison.

The episode explores Kroener's psyche and attempts to understand what motivated him to commit such heinous crimes. Experts weigh in on his childhood trauma and mental health issues, as well as his military training and violent tendencies.

We also hear from family members of Kroener's victims, who share their grief and anger towards the man who took their loved ones away. They reflect on the impact his crimes had on their lives and the community at large.

Overall, the episode sheds light on a terrifying chapter in German history and showcases the resilience of those affected by Kroener's actions. It is a chilling but important reminder of the dangers of unchecked violence and the importance of seeking justice for victims of crime.