Austrian serial killer Jack Unterweger first drew attention after murdering 18-year-old Margret Schäfer in 1974 in Austria. A court sentenced him to life in prison, but while incarcerated he began writing poetry, short stories, and an autobiography that gained support from Austrian intellectuals and artists. After a campaign portraying him as a rehabilitated writer, authorities released him on parole in 1990 after about 15 years. Unterweger soon became a journalist, reporting on crime and prostitution, even covering the investigation into the murders of sex workers. During this period he also murdered at least nine women across Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic before police arrested him again in 1992.
Previous Fact Next Fact