“Revenge mom” shot her child’s murder in the middle of his trial

On March 6, 1981, Marianne Bachmeier walked into a courtroom in Lübeck, Germany, carrying a loaded pistol in her purse. During the trial of Klaus Grabowski, who was accused of kidnapping and murdering her 7-year-old daughter, Anna, she opened fire. Grabowski was struck multiple times and died at the scene.

Bachmeier was immediately arrested. Her actions, driven by grief and anger, sparked nationwide debate that continues decades later, dividing opinion across Germany. The tragedy began on May 5, 1980, when her daughter was killed — a loss that irrevocably changed her life.