Joseph Weinvurm Maniac Date of Birth: 16.09.1930 Country: Austria

Biography of Josef Weinwurm

Josef Weinwurm was born on September 16, 1930, in Hauersdorf, Lower Austria. He had a difficult upbringing and was known to be a troublemaker. During the war, Weinwurm attended elementary school but did not excel academically. After 1945, his parents moved to Vienna and opened a small general store. As a teenager, Weinwurm realized that stealing was an easy way to make money. In March 1947, he sold food ration cards that his father had sent him to deliver, keeping the money for himself.

Weinwurm's criminal behavior continued when he attempted to assault a 17-year-old student at a agricultural school. He followed her into the bathroom and pointed a gun at her, demanding that she undress. However, she managed to fight him off and escape, calling for help. Weinwurm was apprehended by the school guard and eventually convicted for his actions. He was sent for psychiatric evaluation, which revealed that he had a mental disorder but was still deemed responsible for his actions.

Despite his troubled past, Weinwurm was not initially suspected in the series of violent crimes that plagued Vienna. However, in January 1953, he was arrested for attempting to rob a theater cloakroom. He underwent another psychiatric evaluation, which concluded that he was a pathological criminal who had become accustomed to committing crimes.

Weinwurm was sentenced to four years of strict imprisonment but was released early for good behavior. However, he was arrested again in November 1955 and sentenced to another four years in prison. After his release in March 1961, he was once again arrested for theft and sentenced to 18 months of strict imprisonment and forced labor.

Following his release, a series of attacks on women began in Vienna, culminating in the brutal murder of a young ballerina in a famous theater. The police, suspecting Weinwurm's involvement, showed him testimonies from his victims, but he continued to deny any involvement. However, after intense pressure, he finally confessed to the crimes on August 27, 1963.

Weinwurm's crimes had caused widespread panic in Vienna, and his capture brought some relief to the city. He was sentenced to life imprisonment with strict conditions. Despite his confession, Weinwurm maintained that he did not remember committing the murders due to his mental state at the time.

Josef Weinwurm's case remains a notorious chapter in Austrian criminal history, and he is remembered as the "Theater Killer" who terrorized Vienna.