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.
Attempted Murder of William Hauptreif
In July 1924, William fell seriously ill, exhibiting symptoms similar to those of his deceased children. He was admitted to the Soldiers, Sailors, and Marines Memorial Hospital, where tests confirmed the presence of arsenic in his system. This discovery led to an investigation into the previous deaths in the family.
...Read More
Account
