S1 Ep4: Jack Unterweger, the ‘reformed’ prisoner from hell

Devils in the Dark

Helen Anderson and Danni Howard travel to 1970s Austria to dive into the world of famous writer and not so reformed murderer Jack Unterweger. After serving time in prison for one horrendous murder, Jack’s writing hobby spiralled into an illustrious career… so illustrious that he was let out of prison early… triggering one of the worst killing sprees modern Europe and America have ever seen. Expect eerie radio plays for children, an infamous stay at the Los Angeles Cecil Hotel, and one of the biggest blunders of the prison reform system ever seen. Devils in The Dark contains graphic details of sexual assault and violence and is not intended for all audiences. Listener discretion is strongly advised.
00:00 - Introduction
06:00 - Where Jack’s story begins
08:23 - The murder of Margret Schäfer
12:52 - Jack goes to prison
13:50 - Jack gets a book deal
19:08 - Celebrity writer Jack Unterweger gets released
29:30 - The murder of Blanka Bockova
31:22 - The murders of Brunhilde Masser, Heide Hammerer and Elfriede Schrempf
35:04 - The one surviving victim
36:00 - Jack moonlights as a news reporter
39:20 - Jack goes to the USA
40:49 - The murders of Shannon Exley, Irene Rodriguez, Sherri Ann Long
44:32 - Jack Unterweger is on the run
46:21 - The trial of Jack Unterweger
55:18 - Outro
This episode is sponsored by:
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Follow Helen Anderson at @helenanderz and Danni Howard at @thatdannihoward. Special thanks to Woodcut Media. See audioboom.com/about/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Produced by Alexandra Jueno at Audioboom Studios.
If you have been affected by any of the themes in this week’s episode please consider contacting the following resources:

The Samaritans helpline: 116 123

Rape Crisis Helpline: 0808 802 9999 (help is also available at live chat at https://rapecrisis.org.uk/get-help/live-chat-helpline/ *times apply)

Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200