Johann Otto Hoch

Serial Killer

Johann Otto Hoch: The Notorious Bluebeard Serial Killer

Introduction

Johann Otto Hoch was a notorious German-born American serial killer active in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was known for marrying multiple women, often under false identities, before poisoning them to steal their money. His crimes spanned several states, leaving a trail of deception and death. Hoch was eventually caught, convicted, and executed in 1906.

Crimes and Modus Operandi

Hoch’s criminal pattern involved marrying women, usually wealthy widows, and then murdering them with arsenic or other poisons to claim their assets. He used numerous aliases and moved frequently to evade capture. His victims often died under suspicious circumstances, but it took years for authorities to connect the deaths and apprehend him.

Known Victims

Although Hoch is suspected of murdering dozens of women, only a few cases were confirmed. Below is a list of some of his known victims:

• Marie Walcker – Married Hoch in 1895 in Chicago, Illinois. She died under suspicious circumstances shortly after.
• Caroline Streicher – Married in 1898 in New York. Died shortly after marriage.
• Maria Steitz – Married in 1899 in Chicago. Died mysteriously within months.
• Emilie Fischer – Married Hoch in 1904 in Chicago. Died from what was later determined to be poisoning.
• Mrs. Meyer – A wealthy widow whom Hoch married in 1905. Her sudden death raised suspicion, leading to his arrest.

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Confirmed Victims: (5)

Marie Walcker , Date of Death: 1895

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Johann Otto Hoch - Wikipedia

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