The Peter Stumpp Case

By Crusader1307

Peter Stumpp goes down in History as the first ‘’documented Case’’ of either insanity (which was seen as ‘’witchcraft’’ in the 16th Century), or was by His own declaration – a ‘’Werewolf’’. Born in Bedburg, Germany around 1535, He was a Farmer by profession. Moving to Cologne, Germany – He was married (later abandoning His Wife) and had a Daughter. But by 1589, Stump would be arrested (by His own omission in testimony), for ‘’turning into a Wolf and hunting down at least 18 Men, Women and Children’’. As a ‘’Wolf’’, Stumpp claimed to have ‘’devoured the flesh of His Victims’’. He also admitted to ‘’ripping out’’ several unborn infants from their Mother’s stomachs and ‘’feasting upon them’’ – as well. While many of Stumpp’s victims were never found – those bodies that were, bore out that they had in fact, been ‘’eaten, with flesh ripped off as if by some animal’’.

Stumpp claimed that He had made a ‘’Deal’’ with The Devil, to be able to turn into a wolf – not by curse, but by the means of a ‘’magical belt’’. When  worn, He transformed into a Wolf. When He removed the belt, he returned to Human form. Stumpp was also accused of Witchcraft and of incest with His own Daughter (also seen as a Capital Crime). After a lengthy Trial, Stumpp was convicted of Murder (and a host of other Crimes). His Mistress and Daughter were seen as accomplices and likewise sentenced to death…rather grisly, at that. In October of 1589, a three were bound to The Breaking Wheel. They had their flesh flayed off and then their arms and legs broken by means of a Hammer. Finally, all three were beheaded by Sword. The bodies and the belt Stumpp claimed was his ‘’transformation tool’’ were burnt to ashes and scattered. But Stumpp’s head was recovered. It was spiked and set in The Public Market, were it remained for many months. Over 5,000 spectators came to watch the ‘’Event’’ (which was well recorded and illustrated via wood block engravings). And while most Modern crime Historians cite Stumpp an early example of ‘’Serial Killer’’ who was party to the superstitions of The Era – One has to ponder, why The Magistrates made sure ‘’The Belt’’ was thoroughly destroyed.