Mathias Kneißl
Mathias Kneißl | |
---|---|
Born | 4 August 1875 |
Died | 21 February 1902 | (aged 26)
Mathias Kneißl) [in English: "Kneissel"], known as Robber Kneissl (in German Räuber Kneißl, in
Early life
Mathias Kneissl was born on 4 August, 1875, as the eldest of six children of a poor innkeeper. In 1886 his parents, who were later described as having "unknown origins" and as, "ill-tempered", purchased the mill at Sulzemoos Schacher. The mill was "a strategically remote location", and was often used as a secret meeting place for local criminals.[3]
When he was 12 years old, a school report card wrote about Kneissl, "He is not totally devoid of gifts, but he is lazy beyond imagination. He never pays attention, his output doesn't exist. It is useless to scold him or punish him. He has no love of school whatsoever."[4]
Career
Kneissl then began accompanying his brothers at an early age while
After serving his sentence, he was released in February 1899 and worked as a carpenter in Nußdorf am Inn. After six months Kneissl was dismissed by his master, because his colleagues refused to work with him any longer. Due to his bad reputation, he was unable to find another job.
For two years, Kneissl was pursued by the police. After his accomplices were arrested, he continued committing armed robberies on his own. An attempt to arrest him occurred on 30 November 1900 in Irchenbrunn Altomünster. In a massive gun battle, two policemen were injured so badly that they subsequently died. Three months later, in March 1901, Kneissl was captured at Geisen Egenhofen by 60 policemen. During the preceding gunfight, Kneissl was seriously injured by a bullet in the abdomen.
Trial
Between 14 and 19 November 1901 Kneissl was placed on trial at
Kneissl confessed to most of the charges, but denied an intent to kill against the two policemen who were shot by him. However, the court found him guilty of murder, premeditated bodily harm with fatal consequences, extortion and for aggravated robbery.
The Court then sentenced him to receive the
Judge Anton Rebholz appealed by letter to the Ministry of Justice, which confirmed Kneissl's death sentence. Kneissl was awakened shortly after seven o'clock on the morning of 21 February 1902. He was then executed via guillotine. The executioner was Franz Xaver Reichhart.
Legacy
Kneissl was already a legendary figure in his own lifetime. The people, especially the small farmers of Bavaria saw in his outlaw life something revolutionary, a rebellion against the authorities. Even in recent times the Kneissl legend remains popular. Musical examples include the songs "Kneissl" by Georg Ringsgwandl (1993) and "Schachermüller-Hiasl" by Schandmaul (2016).[8][9]
Three German films are based on his life story: Mathias Kneissl by Reinhard Hauff (1971), The Proud and Sad Life of Mathias Kneissl by Oliver Herbrich (1980)[10] and Räuber Kneißl by Marcus H. Rosenmüller (2008).
References
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Pages 218-219.
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Pages 217-218.
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Page 218.
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Page 218.
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Page 218.
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Page 219.
- ^ Mark Benecke, translated by Karin Heusch, (2005), Murderous Methods: Using Forensic Science to Solve Lethal Crimes, Columbia University Press. Page 219.
- ^ "Kneißl". Ringsgwandl official website (in German). Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ Jooß-Bernau, Christian (19 September 2016). "Geschichtensucher mit Dudelsack". Süddeutsche Zeitung (in German). Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ^ Herbrich, Oliver. "The Proud and Sad Life of Mathias Kneissl". Filmwebsite (English).
Further reading
- Räuberhauptmann Kneißl vor dem Schwurgericht In: Hugo Friedländer: Interessante Kriminal-Prozesse von kulturhistorischer Bedeutung. 1911–1921, vol. 2, pp. 192–221.
- Wilhelm Lukas Kristl: Das traurige und stolze Leben des Mathias Kneißl—Bayerns großer Kriminalfall". Munich, 1957. ISBN 3-7787-3033-9
- ISBN 3-7846-0176-6
- ISBN 3-89251-258-2
- Michael Farin: Polizeireport München 1799-1999. 2001, ISBN 3-933510-25-2
- Oliver Herbrich: Mathias Kneißl - Theo Berger. Volkshelden wider Willen (German language) Fiction - Non-Fiction Film Edition, 2018. ISBN 978-3-00-059239-3