In March 1981, a courtroom in West Germany witnessed a shocking act of justice when Marianne Bachmeier, driven by grief, took matters into her own hands. This is the gripping story of a mother’s vengeance, a trial that captivated a nation, and the enduring legacy of an infamous act.
Tragedy Strikes: Anna Bachmeier’s Heartbreaking End
Before becoming Germany’s “Revenge Mother,” Marianne Bachmeier navigated life as a single mother in 1970s Lübeck. Her daughter, Anna, a vibrant seven-year-old, fell victim to Klaus Grabowski, a 35-year-old with a dark past involving child molestation.
On May 5, 1980, tragedy struck when Anna, after an argument with her mother, found herself in Grabowski’s clutches. He strangled her with pantyhose, leaving her lifeless body in a cardboard box by a canal. The grieving mother’s quest for justice began.
The Trial: A Mother’s Revenge Unleashed
Grabowski’s trial unfolded with shocking details. His defense claimed a hormonal imbalance, but on the third day, Marianne Bachmeier, armed with a .22-caliber Beretta, unleashed her fury. Six shots rang out, and Grabowski lay dead on the courtroom floor.
Bachmeier’s incriminating remarks echoed her grief: “He killed my daughter… I wanted to shoot him in the face but I shot him in the back… I hope he’s dead.” The grieving mother found herself on trial, where she testified about dreams and visions of her daughter.
Public Maelstrom: The Aftermath of Vigilante Justice
Marianne Bachmeier became a central figure in a public storm. Stern magazine delved into her life, painting a portrait of a working single mother who faced a rough start. The ethical dilemma of her act sparked international debate — was she a distraught mother seeking justice, or a cold-blooded killer?
Legal debates raged on premeditation and sentencing. The court convicted Bachmeier of premeditated manslaughter, sentencing her to six years. Public opinion varied, with 28% deeming it appropriate, 27% considering it too heavy, and 25% viewing it as too light.
Life After Trial: A Complex Legacy
Released in 1985 after serving half her sentence, Bachmeier’s life took unexpected turns. From Nigeria to Sicily, she faced love, divorce, and illness. Her final weeks were documented by reporter Lukas Maria Böhmer. Marianne Bachmeier, at 46, breathed her last on Sept. 17, 1996, resting beside her daughter.
