Marianne Bachmeier avenged her 7-year-old daughter’s rape-murder when she opened fire in a crowded courtroom trial, killing the murderer 1981
Marianne Bachmeier became famous in Germany after she shot the murderer of her daughter in an act of vigilantism in the hall of the District Court of Lübeck in 1981.
Who Was Marianne Bachmeier? Early Life Explored
Marianne Bachmeier was born 3 June 1950 in Sarstedt
Marianne Bachmeier grew up in Sarstedt, where her parents fled to from East Prussia. Her father had been a member of the Waffen-SS. Her parents divorced, and her mother later remarried.
In 1966, at the age of 16, Marianne Bachmeier had her first child, who she gave up for adoption as an infant. She became pregnant again at the age of 18 by her then-boyfriend.
Shortly before the birth of this child, a daughter, Marianne was raped. Her second child was also given up for adoption as an infant. In 1973, Marianne’s third daughter, Anna, was born. After Anna’s birth, Marianne had a tubal ligation operation, and she raised Anna alone as a single parent.
The loss of a child is the ultimate tragedy, often referred to as the worst experience a parent can endure.
On May 5, 1980, Marianne Bachmeier’s life was forever changed. In the ’80’s, Marianne was a struggling single mom who ran a pub in Lübeck, northern Germany.
On March 6, 1981, Marianne Bachmeier entered a courtroom in Lübeck, Germany with purpose in every step.
Then, suddenly, she grabbed a loaded pistol from her purse and opened fire on 35-year-old sex offender Klaus Grabowski.
The man had been accused of the kidnapping, abuse and murder of Marianne’s 7-year-old daughter, Anna Bachmeier.
Seconds later, Grabowski took his last breath and died on the courtroom floor – after being hit by seven of Marianne’s bullets.
The vengeful mother was immediately arrested but showed no trace of remorse. 40 years later, ”Revenge mom” continues to live on in peoples minds – and her sentence yet divides a whole nation …
Marianne’s own youth was marked by misery and several traumas. Her father had been a member of the Waffen-SS, one of the most infamous organizations in Nazi Germany.
Marianne Bachmeier Arrest and Charges Explored
Marianne Bachmeier was arrested by police in the courtroom and initially charged with murder. During her trial in 1982, Marianne claimed that she shot Grabowski in a dream state after visualizing her daughter in the court.
But according to experts who testified at the trial, Marianne’s act required special practise with the gun, indicating that she had planned and prepared everything ahead of the shooting.
The mother was also examined by doctors and asked if she could give them a handwriting sample. In response, Marianne wrote: “I did it for you, Anna.” The sample was also decorated with seven hearts – which many interpreted as a tribute to each year of Anna’s life.
If convicted, Marianne was to face a lifetime of imprisonment
On 2 November 1982, Marianne Bachmeier was initially charged in court with murder. Later the prosecution dropped the murder charge. After 28 days of negotiations, the Board agreed on the verdict. Four months after the opening of proceedings she was convicted on 2 March 1983 by the Circuit Court Chamber of the District Court Lübeck for manslaughter and sentenced for unlawful possession of a firearm to six years in prison but was later released after serving three years.
No charge for murder but got 6 years for manslaughter and unlawful possession of a firearm. Served 3 years and then out.
Marianne Bachmeier Cause Of Death
On 17 September 1996, Marianne Bachmeier died at the age of 46 from pancreatic cancer in a hospital in Lübeck.
It had actually been her desire to die in her adopted home of Palermo. Before her death, she asked the NDR reporter, Lukas Maria Böhmer, to accompany her with a movie camera during the last stages of her life.