Peter Niers

Peter Niers is a German serial killer who is known for committing 544 murders. His gruesome murders include the 24 fetuses extracted directly from the pregnant victims allegedly used for his black magic purposes. He also performed an act of cannibalism on his other victims. He is known to be a powerful dark magician during his time

 

The Horrifying Exploits of Peter Niers

 

Accounts of his exploits can be found in the works of historian Joy Wiltenburg:

 

 "Of course the profession of robbery required some roving, whether the principals had been itinerant beforehand or not. It was in the spaces outside cities that these bands operated, particularly in woods and mountains and along unfrequented roads. The gang led by Niers and Sumer reportedly started in Alsace, but after gathering a group of twenty-four (...) near Pfalzburg, they separated to rob and murder. Accordingly, they were caught in different places- one in the imperial city of Landau, one at Kirchweyler am Rhein; four at Strasbourg; nine at Pfalzburg; and six at Koblenz."

 

In 1577, the group of bandits, which included Peter Niers, was arrested. Unfortunately, he somehow managed to escape. After his escape, the news would constantly circulate town about his horrific murder, including his magical ritual and cannibalism. It is said that the main ingredient that gave him the supernatural ability is the heart of the fetuses. Niers had to devour the heart of the unborn before he would cast any spell. The flesh and fats of infants were turned into a candle that is said to help them from robbing houses.

 

Shapeshifting Powers

 

Peter Niers would later be connected with the shapeshifting powers. Legends were told that he could take the form of things, which included logs or a stone. But some stories said that he constantly changed into a cat or a dog.

 

When Peter Niers arrived at Neumarkt, he checked in at an inn called The Bells. One day he decided to wash at the bathhouse leaving all his stuff inside his room. Due to his popularity, a cooper recognized him and spread the news that the famous killer could be found at the inn. Two concerned citizens quickly went to the Inn and insisted that they needed to check the person's belongings. They opened the bag and found several hands and hearts of fetuses inside. The towns' people were quick to react, which led to his arrest.

 

Peter Niers was tortured for three days before they finally dismembered him.