Maria Velten
Serial killer
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- Gender
- female
- Country
- Germany
- Location
- Kempen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
- Date of birth
- 1916
- Age at first offence
- 47
- Characteristics
- poisoner
- Victim profile
- Her f ather, a n a unt, two husbands and a lover
- Method of murder
- Poisoning
- Date(s) of murder
- 1963 - 1980
- Years active
- 1963–1980
- Date of arrest
- August 1983
- Status
-
Life imprisonment
Sentenced to life imprisonment in 1983
Background
Maria Velten was described as a classic “black widow” who killed her loved ones around Kempten in West Germany over about twenty years before she was arrested.
Her father was the first to die in 1963. An elderly aunt died in 1970.
Under questioning, Velten described the early poisonings as “murders of convenience,” saying her victims had been ill and that she had been unable to provide the necessary care. From that point on, the case narrative described a profit motive as prevailing.
Velten killed two husbands in 1976 and 1978. In 1980, she killed a well-to-do boyfriend.
Velten was arrested during August 1983 at age 67.
Investigation
Under questioning, Velten described the early poisonings as “murders of convenience,” with her victims being ill and her being unable to provide the necessary care.
The case narrative also characterized her later killings as being driven by money.
Arrest
Maria Velten was arrested during August 1983 at age 67.
Trial
Velten was convicted on the basis of her own confessions.
Sentencing
Maria Velten was sentenced to a term of life imprisonment in 1983.
Outcome
A life sentence was imposed in 1983.
Other details
Michael Newton - An Encyclopedia of Modern Serial Killers - Hunting Humans SEX: F RACE: W TYPE: T MOTIVE: PC/CE MO: “Black widow” poisoner of father, aunt, husbands/lovers; “mercy” motive claimed in first two deaths; others killed for money. DISPOSITION: Life sentence, 1983
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