The Terror of Paul Ogorzow

Paul Ogorzow was the perpetrator of a series of gruesome murders that terrorized Berlin during the 1930s. He preyed on women, attacking them in their homes and on the streets in unprovoked assaults. His reign of terror continued for nearly a year before he was finally caught and brought to justice.

The Murders of Paul Ogorzow

Between 1939 and 1940, Paul Ogorzow committed eight known murders and six attempted murders in the city of Berlin. His victims were mostly women, though at least one victim was male. Most of his victims were attacked in their homes or on the street, but two were murdered while riding trains. The attacks usually started with him asking his victims for directions or help carrying packages before assaulting them with an iron bar or knife. He often stole items from his victims and even mutilated some bodies after death.

The Capture and Trial of Paul Ogorzow

Ogorzow was eventually arrested after a police officer spotted him standing near one of his crime scenes. He was identified by several eye-witnesses and eventually confessed to all eight murders during interrogations by police investigators. In January 1941, he was put on trial for murder and sentenced to death by beheading. On March 16th, 1941, he was executed at Plötzensee Prison in Berlin.

The Legacy of Paul Ogorzow

Paul Ogorzow’s gruesome crimes left a lasting impression on the people of Berlin who lived through it all—a reminder that even in times of darkness there can still be a light that guides us out into the safety of daylight again. His story has been told many times over the years, though it is rarely given its due recognition as one of history’s most notorious serial killers.

While many will remember Paul Ogorzow as nothing more than a name from history books, others will never forget him as the man who terrorized Berlin for almost a year before being brought to justice by its citizens’ resilience and courage in facing such horror head-on despite being surrounded by darkness on all sides. A reminder that no matter how dark life may seem at times, there is still hope if we remain vigilant against those who wish us harm while standing together as one community against evil wherever it may lurk.