Carl Hoeweler, a white male from Cincinnati, Ohio, became a central figure in one of the most chilling serial murder cases in American history. He was the long-term partner of Donald Harvey, a hospital orderly who would later be dubbed the “Angel of Death” for his role in the deaths of numerous patients. Their relationship, which began in the early 1980s, took a dark turn when Harvey, driven by jealousy and paranoia, began poisoning Carl with small doses of arsenic. Harvey admitted he did not intend to kill Carl but sought to cause him pain and suffering, believing Carl was unfaithful.
The situation escalated tragically when Harvey targeted Carl's family. On May 1, 1983, Carl's father, Henry Hoeweler, an 82-year-old white male, suffered a stroke and was admitted to Providence Hospital. Harvey visited him there and administered arsenic-laced pudding, leading to Henry's death later that night. Harvey also attempted to poison Carl's mother, Margaret Hoeweler, over the following year, but she survived these attempts.
After Carl ended their relationship in January 1984, Harvey's attempts to harm him continued. He poisoned Carl again in 1986, causing severe illness that required hospitalization. Despite these repeated attacks, Carl survived.
Harvey's crimes extended beyond Carl and his family. He confessed to the murders of 24 individuals and the attempted murders of four others, employing methods such as poisoning with arsenic and cyanide, suffocation, and tampering with medical equipment. His victims included hospital patients and acquaintances.
In August 1987, Harvey pleaded guilty to multiple counts of aggravated murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment. He later admitted to killing up to 50 people, though the true number remains uncertain. Harvey died in prison in 2017 after being attacked by another inmate.
Carl Hoeweler lived until August 4, 2015, passing away at the age of 74. He was remembered as a beloved partner, son, brother, and friend. His obituary notes his long career as a hairdresser and his ownership of Carl's Coiffures in Mt. Airy, Cincinnati.
