Title: Das uber vier Malefitz-Personen ergangene Justitz-Rad
Description: Leopold Fixel, 23, took part in the violent break-in and robbery of a mill by Friedland during the night of October 16-17, 1724. Those inside the mill were bound, severely beaten, and otherwise injured. The robbers took 500 talers in cash and other items from the mill. Anna Sophia Wanckin, 28, was Fixel's partner and had a child by him. She admitted taking part in the robbery dressed in men's clothing and that she helped tie up the residents. She denied having anything to do with stealing money. Abraham Hoffmann, a 28 year old Catholic, was tortured until he admited participating in the robbery and tying up the miller's maid. Christoph Kranichfeld, denied any involvement until threatened with torture. He then admitted going along to the scene of the robbery but claimed he did not take part. He also admitted receiving 8 taler of the cash stolen from the mill. Fixel and Hoffmann both said Kranichfeld was a full participant in brutalizing the residents of the mill and robbing it. All four of the accused admitted using false "Brand-Briefe" that were documents stating they had lost their homes and belongings in fires. These forged papers gave them permission to get free timber and accept money donations and other assistance since fire insurance was not yet available. All four were found guilty of aggravated robbery and sentenced to be broken with the wheel from the top down until dead. Their corpses were to be publicly displayed on the wheel as a crime deterrent.
People: Christoph Kranichfeld (-1725), Leopold Fixel (1702-1725), Anna Sophia Wanckin (-1725), Abraham Hofmann (-1725)