Melchior Hedloff, better known as the Human Hunter, was a serial killer who shot over 251 people in cold blood, mostly from hiding in bushes. This poacher, who always carried two rifles with him, wreaked havoc for 15 years during and after the Thirty Years’ War until he was finally apprehended by the authorities in 1653. In the subsequent interrogations, which took place from November 1653 to January 1654 in the Polish town of Oels, 48-year-old Melchior confessed to his heinous crimes, which he had committed on behalf of the devil. His first murder victim was, of all people, his own grandchild. His daughter had become pregnant by the farmhand Michel Tschuren, and to spare her the scorn and ridicule, he decided to kill his wife and daughter on Christmas Day, December 25, 1652. They were all arrested for this. Melchior’s wife died in prison at the end of 1653. His daughter had already been brought to justice on October 6 for the murder of the child. During his interrogations, Melchior Hedloff described his crimes in detail. In 1644, he and his brother had attacked an imperial lieutenant from the Hofkirch regiment in order to steal his 200 ducats. Before they could murder him, the lieutenant was rescued by guards just in time. Melchior was considered a ruthless robber without a conscience who, when he was not traveling alone, committed a series of robberies and murders with his accomplices, consisting of the riflemen Simon Blach, Lokorsch, and Georg Bog. Melchior then sold the loot in Poland. He used the money he received from this to satisfy his lust for flesh. Melchior liked to boast that he had raped women during his time as a soldier. He had even sexually assaulted his daughter twice before she was born. Melchior Hedloff was sentenced to death for his horrific crimes. On January 19, 1654, he was picked up by a wagon in front of the town hall in Oels. In the cart, the front joints of his 10 fingers were pinched off with red-hot tongs. Then, at four corners of the market square, his skin was torn from his body with four red-hot tongs. He was then pulled on a stretcher by two horses to the place of execution, where the roaring mob was already waiting to witness his execution. Melchior Hedloff’s arms and legs were broken lengthwise with a wheel. His body was then cut into four pieces, which were hung on stakes at four crossroads as a deterrent to the population. Thus ended the cruel life of the murderous poacher Melchior Hedloff.
Welcome to my journey through creativity and discovery! My name is Isabella Mueller, and I invite you to explore the fascinating creative universes I create through my blogs. Since 2020, I have been dedicating my passion to telling captivating stories that are mysterious, historical, and emotional. My goal is not only to entertain, but also to inspire reflection and awaken the spirit of discovery in each of us. At isabellas.blog, the suspense of crime stories is combined with exciting travel tips. Imagine wandering through the picturesque streets of a new city, uncovering dark secrets hidden in the shadows of its history. Every piece on my blog is designed to make the heart of every crime fiction fan beat faster while sparking curiosity about unknown places. Here, you are invited to experience the thrill of the unknown and the beauty of our world—a perfect combination for all adventure seekers! My second blog, akteq.com, is all about true, unsolved crime stories. Under the motto “akteQ: Cold Case Stories,” I reveal the eerie and often tragic stories behind unsolved cases. Together, we can explore the mysteries of the past and delve deep into the human psyche. What really happened? Who were the people behind these mysterious events? In this blog, I invite you to ask questions and find the answers that often remain hidden in the dark. You can find another exciting chapter in my blogging career at thecastles.org. Here, I embark on an enchanting journey through the history of castles and palaces. Pause for a moment as you discover the stories hidden within the walls of these ancient structures. “Explore the enchantment, discover the history – your journey begins at thecastles.org!” These words are more than just a slogan; they are an invitation to anyone who wants to combine history and magic. Be inspired by the impressive stories and the fascination of bygone eras! But that's not all! At kripo.org, you'll find a comprehensive online magazine for real criminal cases. Immerse yourself in the world of crime, learn about the real stories behind the headlines and the people who are involved in solving them. With criminal.energy, I take you on a journey through the gripping stories of true crimes in which villains are hunted, caught, and convicted. The search for justice and the confrontation with the unknown are at the center of it all. TrueCrime Blog 187.news takes you into the depths of crime. And for those who want to travel the world, wanderlust.plus offers the opportunity to explore the world, one adventure at a time. It's all about the love of exploration and the joy of discovering new cultures and landscapes. Finally, truecrime.ch invites you to discover the dark side of Switzerland and Europe: true crimes, true stories. Let's discover together the stories that shape the world around us. I look forward to accompanying you on this exciting journey and hope you will share many unforgettable moments with me!
Isabella Mueller (crime writer)
