Imagine discovering that your wife has been secretly keeping her lover in the attic… for FOUR YEARS.
In this episode of Killers, Cults & Queens, Nikki and Cheryl head back to the 1920s for one of the strangest true crime stories we've ever covered: the bizarre case of Dolly Oesterreich and Otto Sanhuber.
In 1922, Fred Oesterreich was shot dead inside his Los Angeles home. His wife Dolly was discovered locked inside a pantry, apparently the terrified victim of a robbery gone wrong. But there was one problem: the evidence didn't quite add up.
Because hidden above their heads was Dolly's secret lover, Otto Sanhuber — a young man who had been secretly living in the couple's attic for years.
Otto had originally met Dolly while working at her husband's factory, and their relationship soon developed into a bizarre secret arrangement. After Fred discovered their affair, Otto was fired… but Dolly wasn't prepared to let him go. Instead, she found a way to keep him close — by hiding him in the attic.
For years, Otto lived in secret above Fred's head, helping Dolly around the house, writing pulp fiction and waiting for the opportunity to escape his strange double life.
Then Fred was murdered.
What followed was a bizarre investigation involving a missing gold watch, suspicious lovers, discarded guns, a hidden man in an attic and a conspiracy that remained secret for years.
This is the true story of the man in the attic, one of the strangest forgotten murder cases of the 20th century.
⚠️ This episode contains discussions of murder, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation and coercive relationships.
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If you have been affected by any of the themes in this episode, please consider contacting the following resources: The Samaritans helpline: 116 123 Confidential Emotional Support Line: 01708 765200 Hope Not Hate: 020 7952 1181 Exit UK: 0800 999 1945 Safeline national male survivor helpline: 0808 800 5005 Sexual Assault Support Line: 01708 765200 Sane mental health line: 0300 304 7000
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