Melchior Hedloff

Melchior Hedloff (c. 1605/6 – January 19, 1654), also spelled as Melcher Hedlof, was a German serial killer, cannibal, and criminal active in the 17th century.

Little is known about Hedloff's early life, except that he served as a soldier during the Thirty Years' War.

Captured in 1653, Hedloff allegedly confessed under torture to 251 robberies and murders committed over 11 years, during which he primarily shot his victims from ambush. He also reportedly confessed to numerous rapes, some of which occurred during his military service, but among the victims was his own daughter.

After his conviction, Hedloff was publicly mutilated, broken on the wheel, and captured in front of the town hall in Oleśnica on January 19, 1654. Parts of his body were displayed on public display along the four roads leading into the town to deter criminals.

In addition to Melchior Hedloff, his wife and daughter were also arrested, accused of murdering their daughter's illegitimate child; his wife died in custody.

Category:1600s births
Category:1654 deaths
Category:German murderers