Background and Early Years

Ursula R. from the small Baden-Württemberg town of Staufen in the Breisgau region lived an inconspicuous life for decades as a caregiver and mother. Her case reveals the disturbing reality that serial murderers often live in close proximity to their victims and can remain undetected over long periods. Investigations against her only began when medical personnel noticed irregularities in several deaths in her immediate circle.

The native of southern Germany worked in home nursing care and was regarded as a conscientious relative who dedicated herself to caring for sick family members. This image of an attentive caregiver kept her above suspicion for years and may have enabled her to conceal her actions.

The Crime Pattern: Poisoning in the Home Environment

Investigative authorities suspect that Ursula R. systematically poisoned people in her immediate surroundings over a period of several years. The approach followed a sinister pattern: as a caregiver, she had unrestricted access to her victims and could administer medications and potential poisons undetected. The poisonings occurred gradually over extended periods, so symptoms were initially interpreted as natural disease deterioration.

Particularly alarming was that the suspect apparently deliberately selected vulnerable individuals – elderly, already ill people whose death would not immediately arouse suspicion. This approach is typical for poison murderers who rely on the gradual effects of their methods and the difficulty of detection.

The Investigation and Evidence

The breakthrough in the investigation came when doctors treating a relative discovered unusual laboratory values that did not match the clinical picture. This led to a toxicological examination, which revealed elevated concentrations of various substances. The prosecutor's office subsequently ordered the exhumation of deceased individuals from Ursula R.'s circle.