In the quiet community of West Orange, New Jersey, Betty Krieger, a 78-year-old retired schoolteacher, and her husband, Michael, an 83-year-old retired lawyer, were looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with their family in Manhattan. The couple, known for being cautious and security-minded, would not have anticipated the tragic events that would unfold within the perceived safety of their own home. On November 24, 1992, they allowed a familiar face, Frank Masini, a handyman who had done carpentry work for them over the years, into their residence to discuss some flooring work.
The visit took a horrific turn when Masini, who had a history of criminal behavior unknown to the Kriegers, launched a violent attack. He first assaulted Michael with a letter opener before turning on Betty, stabbing her in the back as she came to see what was happening. The motive behind this brutal act was robbery. After the murders, Masini stole items from the home and fled the scene, leaving behind a grim discovery for the Krieger's son the following day. When his parents failed to arrive for the Thanksgiving celebration, he contacted the West Orange police, who then found the couple's bodies.
Investigators initially focused on individuals close to the Kriegers, as there were no signs of forced entry, suggesting the couple knew their attacker. Although questioned, Frank Masini denied any involvement in the crime. The breakthrough in the case came from a bloody footprint left at the scene. This crucial piece of evidence was matched to a specific type of hiking boot owned by Masini, leading to his arrest.
Faced with the evidence against him, Frank Masini confessed to the murders of Betty and Michael Krieger. His confession also solved other cold cases, as he admitted to killing two other elderly individuals. To avoid a potential death sentence, Masini pleaded guilty to the murders and in 1993 was sentenced to life in prison. The handyman the Kriegers had trusted with their home had ultimately been the one to bring such a violent and tragic end to their lives.
