Share

Jack Unterweger biography

1 photo

Quick Facts

  • NAME: Jack Unterweger
  • OCCUPATION: Serial Killer, Journalist
  • BIRTH DATE: August 16, 1950
  • DEATH DATE: June 29, 1994
  • PLACE OF BIRTH: Styria, Austria
  • PLACE OF DEATH: Graz, Austria
  • Full Name: Johann Unterweger
  • AKA: Jack Unterweger

Best Known For

Jack Unterweger was an Austrian serial killer who murdered several women before committing suicide in 1994.

Videos see all videos

Quiz

Think you know about Biography?

Answer questions and see how you rank against other players.

Play Now
Jack Unterweger - Full Biography watch more videos (1)

Synopsis

Born on August 16, 1950, in Styria, Austria, Jack Unterweger, abused and abandoned as a child, went on to murder an 18-year-old sex worker. While in prison, he became a writer and was championed by some Austrian intellectuals. He was released only to kill nine more sex workers in Europe and Los Angeles. He was convicted of the murders and found dead on June 29, 1994, having committed suicide.

Early Life

Serial killer Jack Unterweger was born Johann Unterweger on August 16, 1950, in Austria. Abandoned by his prostitute mother, Jack lived for seven years with an alcoholic grandfather. He turned to crime in his early teens and was first arrested at 16 for assaulting a prostitute.

Murder and Best-Selling Novel

In 1976, Unterweger was convicted of the murder of Margaret Schaefer and sentenced to life in prison. While in prison, he learned to read and write, eventually earning literary respect both inside and outside the prison. In 1984, his prison autobiography Fegefeur (Purgatory) became a best-seller. Convinced that he was a reformed man, the state released him on parole in 1990.

After his release, Unterweger became a literary celebrity, appearing on talk shows and booking speaking engagements. Fegefeur was made into a feature film, and the former murderer became a journalist.

Sentenced Again and Suicide

Not everyone was convinced of his transformation, however. After a string of prostitute murders matched the details of the Schaefer crime, police put Unterweger under surveillance. After several months of detective work, they had gathered enough evidence to arrest him.

In 1992, Unterweger was detained, but even then, he continued to give interviews freely, proclaiming his innocence and calling upon his colleagues for support. Despite his chatty demeanor, the evidence against him was overwhelming, and he was found guilty of nine counts of murder in 1994. Soon after sentencing, Unterweger used the string from his prison jumpsuit to hang himself.

© 2013 A+E Networks. All rights reserved.

ADVERTISEMENT
12103266 12103266
profile id: 12103266
profile name: Jack Unterweger
profile occupation:
related profile id: 12103266
related profile name: Jack Unterweger
related profile occupation:
related profile img: /imported/images/Biography/Images/Profiles/U/Jack-Unterweger-12103266-1-402.jpg
related profile URL: /people/jack-unterweger-12103266
profile
pop
Your Connections

Sign in with Facebook to see how you and your friends are connected to famous icons.

specific profile connection
See More Bio Connections
Your Friends' Connections
specific friend connection
Profile Connections
    Show More Connections
    Included In These Groups

    See all related groups

    Shop Bio
    Poet of Death Jack Unterweger DVD
    DVD
    $19.99

    Buy Now
    ADVERTISEMENT

    Celebrity Connections

    Show More Connections
    Fact Check: We strive for accuracy and fairness. If you see something that doesn't look right, contact us!