Anna Hauptreif

Serial Killer

Anna Hauptreif: The San Marcos Serial Killer

Early Life and Marriages

Anna Schulze, born on June 22, 1894, in Niederwald, Texas, was a member of a prominent local family. In June 1921, at the age of 27, she married Kurt Schroeder, a German immigrant. Tragically, just three months into their marriage, Kurt died in September 1921. His death was initially attributed to complications from an appendectomy. Anna's dramatic mourning at his funeral drew attention, but no suspicions were raised at the time. In 1922, Anna married William Louis Hauptreif, a widower with four children: Walter, Lydia, Hubert, and Annie. William's first wife had died in 1916 during childbirth, leaving him to care for their children. Anna had known the Hauptreif family since childhood, making her a familiar presence in their lives.

The Mysterious Deaths

Between April and November 1923, a series of tragic deaths befell the Hauptreif household:

• April 7, 1923: Lydia Hauptreif, aged 10, died after suffering severe pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• April 11, 1923: Walter Hauptreif, aged 14, succumbed to similar symptoms.
• May 4, 1923: Hubert Hauptreif, aged 8, passed away following weeks of illness.
• November 11, 1923: Annie "Annie" Hauptreif, aged 10, died after returning from her grandparents' home.

Each child's death was attributed to an unknown illness, with symptoms consistent with poisoning. Anna's overt displays of grief at each funeral masked her involvement in these tragedies. ...

Confirmed Victims: (5)

Kurt Schroeder Age: (27), Date of Death: 1921-09-21

Survivors:

William Louis Hauptreif , Date of Attack: 1923

The story of the San Marcos serial killer - The University Star