Ernst-Dieter Beck

Background

Ernst-Dieter Beck was a man who had girlfriends in his native town of Rehme, West Germany, but there was viciousness behind that winning smile.

The offence

For sport, Beck preyed on women less attractive than his usual dates, the sort who yearned for more than average male attention and affection.

On April 8, 1961, Beck raped and strangled Ingrid Kanike.

Beck repeated the performance with Ursula Fritz on May 25, 1965.

Beck repeated the performance with Anneliese Herschel on February 28, 1968.

Trial

At Beck's trial in June 1969, a string of girlfriends testified on his behalf as character witnesses.

Under cross-examination, several of the girlfriends suddenly remembered how he liked to slip his hands around their throats while having intercourse.

Sentencing

Beck was convicted on three counts of murder.

On November 4, 1968, Beck was consigned to prison for life, receiving three life sentences.

Outcome

Beck served the three life sentences imposed on November 4, 1968.