“Identification of Legendary Outlaw’s Skeleton Solves Centuries-Old Mystery!”Researchers Solve 200-Year-Old Skeleton Mix-Up Arman Zhenikeyev – Getty ImagesAfter extensive research, scientists have confirmed that a skeleton previously misidentified from the 19th century actually belongs to the notorious outlaw Johannes Bückler, also known as Schinderhannes. Through genealogical investigation, a living descendant of Schinderhannes was located, and researchers utilized his mitogenome to verify the identity of the skeletal remains. The original skeleton believed to be that of Schwarzer Jonas, a man associated with Schinderhannes, has been lost to time.
Johannes Bückler, or Schinderhannes, gained notoriety for his involvement in various criminal activities such as blackmail, extortion, and murder, making him one of Germany’s most infamous criminals in the late 18th century. His criminal career came to an end in 1802 when he was apprehended in Mainz, then under French rule. A year later, in 1803, Schinderhannes and 19 others, including his accomplice Schwarzer Jonas, were sentenced to death. The following day, they were executed by guillotine in front of a large crowd.
Despite his demise, Schinderhannes’ story did not end with his death. Following their execution, the bodies were sent for scientific examination, and the skeletons of Schinderhannes and Schwarzer Jonas were eventually sent to Heidelberg University’s anatomy department. However, a mix-up occurred during the early 19th century, resulting in the misidentification of the two skeletons, a mistake that endured for over 200 years. A recent study, detailed in Forensic Science International, has set the record straight, suggesting that the skeleton previously attributed to Schwarzer Jonas may actually belong to Schinderhannes.
A team of international experts conducted the study, employing various methods to establish the identities of the skeletal remains, denoting them as Ind1_SJ (Schwarzer Jonas) and Ind2_SH (Schinderhannes). Isotopic analysis revealed that Ind1_SJ spent his early childhood in a region with geologically old sediments, consistent with historical accounts of Schinderhannes’ origins and travels.
Furthermore, mitochondrial DNA from the same specimen was compared to a maternal descendant of Schinderhannes, confirming a match with Ind1_SJ and a distinct difference from the other subject. Radiological analysis provided additional support, aligning with documented injuries suffered by Schinderhannes, such as arm and leg fractures from past events.
These findings, combined with meticulous scrutiny of historical records, indicated a likely confusion of the two skeletons, shedding new light on the true identity of Schinderhannes’ remains. Sara Doll, curator at the Anatomical C…
A recent press release from Heidelberg University discusses a study involving the collection housed at the university. The research helped to correct some historical inaccuracies surrounding Schinderhannes. The study revealed that there are no reliable contemporary descriptions or artworks of the outlaw, as most depictions were created posthumously. Genetic analysis indicates that Schinderhannes likely had either brown or black hair, brown eyes, and pale skin, providing a more accurate depiction of his appearance. Although Schinderhannes’ skeleton was removed from Heidelberg University’s Anatomical Collection for preservation purposes, a replica is available for viewing by the public. Despite spending over 200 years concealing his true identity, modern genetic science has finally shed light on the notorious criminal.
