The Forgotten Cannibal
The Forgotten Cannibal Karl Denke (February 12, 1860 – February 22, 1924) was a Prussian serial killer and cannibal who killed and cannibalized dozens of homeless vagrants and travelers from 1903-1924. He is credited with killing at least 40 people. Born in Münsterberg, Silesia, which is what was once known as the Kingdom of Prussia, coming from a wealthy family that worked as farmers. As a child, Denke proved to be difficult for his parents to raise; at the age of twelve, he even ran away from home. When he graduated from elementary school, he started an apprenticeship under a gardener, and then started life on his own at the age of 25. Soon after, his father died. His brother took over the family farm while Karl was given money to buy some land. Being an unsuccessful farmer, he sold the land and bought a house in town (on present Stawowa Street). However recession forced him to sell again this property. He was finally left with a little apartment on first floor and a small shed ...