Kurt Schroeder, a 27-year-old white male and German immigrant, died on September 21, 1921, in Niederwald, Texas. Initially, his death was attributed to complications from an appendectomy. At his funeral, his wife, Anna Schroeder displayed dramatic mourning, which drew attention but did not raise suspicions at the time.
In the following year, Anna married William Louis Hauptreif, a widower with four children.
Between April and May of 1923, three of William's children—Lydia Walter and Hubert —died under mysterious circumstances. Later that year, the youngest daughter, Annie also died. Suspicion grew when an autopsy revealed arsenic poisoning in Annie's body. Subsequent investigations uncovered arsenic in the family's home, leading to Anna's arrest.
Anna was charged with multiple counts of murder, including that of her first husband, Kurt Schroeder. However, before she could stand trial, she died by suicide on October 31, 1924, in the Hays County Jail.
: https://crimesolverscentral.com/serialkillers/674?utm_source=chatgpt.com 'Anna Hauptreif, Serial Killer - crimesolverscentral.com'
: https://universitystar.com/28133/life-and-arts/the-story-of-the-san-marcos-serial-killer/?utm_source=chatgpt.com 'The story of the San Marcos serial killer – The University Star'
