Who is Klaus B. Göhrde?

Klaus B. Göhrde ranks among the most dangerous serial killers in post-war German history. The tradesman from the Göhrde region murdered at least four people over a 17-year span under circumstances that remained hidden for a long time. His crimes stayed mysterious for years until a combination of investigative work and new forensic methods eventually led to his conviction. The Göhrde cases illustrate the difficulties in identifying serial killers during an era before modern DNA databases and digital manhunts.

The Victims and Crimes

Göhrde's victims were often relatives or people he knew from his social circle. The first confirmed crime dates to 1974. Unlike some serial killers who draw attention through spectacular crimes, Göhrde operated in secrecy. His actions were marked by brutality and appeared often motivated by personal conflicts or financial gain. The exact number of his victims remains unclear to this day—it is suspected he killed more than four people.

Investigations and Years Without Resolution

Investigations dragged on for years without yielding quick progress. This was partly due to the limited investigative resources available at the time. Fingerprints, eyewitness accounts, and conventional manhunt methods often proved insufficient to identify the perpetrator. Only through connecting various cases and intensified investigations by the Lower Saxon Police could a profile of the killer be developed. The connection to Göhrde ultimately emerged through witness statements and further investigative work.

Arrest and Trial