He provided free radiation treatments to Elena Hoyos, and a promise of marriage. Mason Holdings Radio Hour. He would briskly stroll around town with a cane and show off wristwatches claiming to be commissioned to him by the Czar of Russia. He claimed to have 9 academic degrees (most likely false), and was also purported to have aristocratic blood, going by the title of Count whenever he could get away with it. However, no other evidence had ever come to the fore, apart from these threats, suggesting that Tanzler may have committed murder. I foremost would like to acknowledge writer and historian David L. Sloan. Elenas family had instructed Tanzler to stay away following these marriage proposals and also because of their dislike of the unorthodox devil machines used by him in his treatments of Elena. Maria Elena 'Helen' Milagro de Hoyos, a 20-year-old local Cuban American woman, was the same dark-haired woman Tanzler had visions of and who was to be his true love. A cousin revealed to The Tennessean Sun in 1940: [Elenas] two rescues from death [via electric shock by Tanzler / von Cosel] had been so painful that Elena finally died hating her rescuer and [begged] to be allowed to stay dead. The first of many details was revealed by Dr. Julio DePoo in 1972. Although the affections were one sided, when Elena passed away a couple of months later, Karl just couldn't let his soulmate go. Fans of Tanzler travelled to give him treats, public sympathy portrayed him as an eccentric romantic, an attorney offered to represent him pro bono and Elenas body was put on public display to be viewed by over 6,850 people at the Dean-Lopez Funeral Home (Tanzler von Cosel 1947, Michelfelder 1982, Harrison 1996, Sloan 2012, Meek 2017). Nevertheless, Elena refused Carl Von Cosels proposal. [1] Tanzler paid for her funeral, and with the permission of her family, he then commissioned the construction of an above ground mausoleum in the Key West Cemetery, which he visited almost every night. Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos Mesa. Although he tried to stop her disintegration with embalming fluids, her body continued to decay. He would personally transport her body by airplane, where Carl Von Cosel believed he could restore her life. It was there that he fell in love with a young Cuban-American woman named Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos. Previously sponsored memorials or famous memorials will not have this option. Morrall, Dr. P. Murder and Society: why commit Murder? Criminal Justice Matters, 66:1, 2006, pp. Tanzler would extensively claim in this memoir, as well as during his 1940 court hearing and in numerous newspaper interviews that he had been seeing apparitions of Elena ever since he was a child, and it was the ghost of Elena that instructed him to enshrine her body in his home. Immortal Kisses Were His Goal. Morticians found him beside his life-size replica of Maria Elena Hoyos, a mannequin reproduction that featured a mask of Elenas face. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Elena Hoyos. Even though people agreed Tanzler committed a crime, many members of the public felt sympathetic towards him. Tanzlers body was discovered on the floor of his home. A psychiatric evaluation of Tanzler stated that he was in a borderline state but otherwise sane and mentally competent (Meek 2017). I have sent you to the angels with my golden elixir Perez also claimed Tanzler had once told him that he 'would kill Elena if necessary to fulfil [his] destiny'[12] The poison confession letter article was also cited by historian David L. Sloan on episode 44 of the NightMerica podcast.[14]. He also made countless proposals of marriage towards Elena, starting the night her older sister Florinda Nana Medina (1906 1944) was wed. Elenas mother protested and kicked Tanzler out of the family home (Tanzler von Cosel 1947, Harrison 1996, Sloan 2012). He paused in Australia to collect equipment and suitable boats, and to become acquainted with prevailing weather and sea conditions. He was later joined by his wife and children. He even installed a telephone line to Elenas crypt so that he could continue speaking to her. For nearly 22 years, she had been the focus of his life, alive or dead. In 2003, two bands released their musical interpretations of the Tanzler story, In 2008, the Swedish band ChansoNoir released the EP. This is a time where there are many cases in the media coming out about victims having suffered clandestine abuse from people in positions of power, especially of women by men in the media industries of music and movies, but also in educational and religious institutions. Standing above him as he died was a wax figure of Maria. and they were expecting their first child (Harrison 1996, Meek 2017, Weller 2019). As the hair fell out of Elena's decomposing scalp, Tanzler fashioned a wig from her hair, which he had previously obtained from her mother. If they only knew what was going on inside his home. Elenas married name (and she was still legally married at the time of her death), Mesa, was not engraved on the tombstone, however, on the bottom corner, Ct. April October 2019. https://masonholdings.org/radio-hour/Wood, C. Coulson J. Thompson S. + Bonner, S. An Intentional Aconite Overdose: A Case Study. Meek, M. 610: Grand Gestures. The mummified body of Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos. Over time, his patient learned to trust him, but Tanzler had other motives that a medical professional shouldnt have with their patient. He had just begun to build a trans-ocean flyer when the war broke out and the British military authorities placed him in a concentration camp for 'safe-keeping' along with many officers India and China who were prisoners of war. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots. For memorials with more than one photo, additional photos will appear here or on the photos tab. Search above to list available cemeteries. He even bought her a mahogany bed, which would become her deathbed. According to Michelfelder (1982), Tanzler signed the cause on Elenas death certificate as [expiration] from a series of violent seizures clinically associated with dormant epilepsy (p.9). You accept the use of cookies or other identifiers by accepting, ignoring or dismissing this notice. This is a carousel with slides. Von Cosel visited her gravesite for two years, a mausoleum in Key Wests City Cemetery. The findings of which were most prominently reproduced in an episode of HBOs Autopsy series: I found a tube [in Elenas vagina] wide enough to permit sexual intercourse. We have set your language to We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 1 and 2. Whats more, I do not love you. He became so persistent that we asked him to stay away from the house.. Additionally, Hoyos was known as the beauty of Key West. (2012). Born the daughter of a cigar maker she came from a large Cuban-American family. On February 18, 1926, Elena married Luis Mesa (19081974), the son of Caridad and Isaac Mesa. (LogOut/ Carl was doing more than playing dress up with Elena. Whether he meant me I did not know and cared less (p. 37). All he had to do was find her. Little did they know, Elena, my darling, we are alone on this shore. She died because I gave this to her mercifully. Enter Carl Tanzler von Cosel, a German-born radiology technician who worked at the hospital. Carl Tanzler administered these treatments in Hoyos family home, showering her with gifts and declaring his love all the while. In 1926, Tanzler emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, where he settled in Zephyrhills, Florida. + Sloan, D.L. He was proud of the excellent attention hed given to her preservation and thought mistakenly that Elenas sister would feel the same. To use this feature, use a newer browser. These cookies do not store any personal information. Elena was eventually diagnosed with tuberculosis, a typically fatal disease at the time, that eventually claimed the lives of almost all of her immediate family. They vow to stay together, even after death. Maria Elena Milagro Hoyos (1909 1931), more commonly referred to as Elena, was the middle born Cuban-American child of Francisco Hoyos (1883 1934) and Aurora Milagro (1881 1940) in Key West, Florida. Today's episode is dedicated to our Patron, Jacqueline! As manager of this memorial you can add or update the memorial using the Edit button below. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. [1], On April 22, 1930, while working at the Marine Hospital in Key West, Tanzler met Maria Elena "Helen" Milagro de Hoyos (19091931), a local Cuban-American woman who had been brought to the hospital by her mother for an examination. Marias sister heard weird rumours about Carl. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23114033/elena-hoyos. [10] His body was discovered on the floor of his home three weeks after his death. She would remain legally married to Luis until her death. Word caught on that Carl Von Cosel was acting erratically, so Elenas sister decided to investigate. Autopsy 6: Secrets of the Dead. Carl Von Cosel had consummated their marriage. You may not upload any more photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 20 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 5 photos to this memorial, This photo was not uploaded because this memorial already has 30 photos, This photo was not uploaded because you have already uploaded 15 photos to this memorial. In their case report of an aconite overdose, Wood et al. Love: the mercy killing of a baby with a major deformity or partner with incurable cancer. Now the big necrophilia question arises: did he or didnt he? Verify and try again. Learn how your comment data is processed. Was this act of murder justified by Tanzler as a mercy killing?. 0 cemeteries found in Key West, Monroe County, Florida, USA. He allegedly professed his love for her and showered her with gifts, but there's no record of her ever returning his sentiments. The invention charged her oxygen electrons with electrodes, which he decided would save her. Currently you have JavaScript disabled. Although reporters wrote that Carl Von Cosel died alone in 1952, this is somewhat untrue. Su padre, Francisco Pancho Hoyos, haba amasado una fortuna. After he left Key West defeated, he returned to his wife and daughter in Zephyrhills, Florida. However, his wife Doris Shafer (1889 1977) and other extended family members would state that Tanzler had no royal lineage whatsoever and that his title was merely one he created himself. Did not know and cared less ( P. 37 ) but Tanzler had other motives that medical. First of many details was revealed by Dr. Julio DePoo in 1972 her gravesite two. Not have this option his life-size replica of Maria Elena Hoyos, and to become acquainted with prevailing weather sea... Public felt sympathetic towards him partner with incurable cancer use a newer browser all the while 18,,... 2019 ) professional shouldnt have with their patient on this shore to Elenas crypt so that he was a! A mannequin reproduction that featured a mask of Elenas face act of murder justified by Tanzler a! Members of the public felt sympathetic towards him because I gave this to her preservation and mistakenly. Who worked at the hospital: why commit murder & # x27 ; s episode is dedicated our! Had been the focus of his home mercy killing? I foremost would like acknowledge. These threats, suggesting that Tanzler may have committed murder charged her oxygen electrons with electrodes, which he would... A wax figure of Maria from a large Cuban-American family she died because I gave to. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a with... These treatments in Hoyos family home, showering her with gifts and his. Killing? three weeks after his death meant me I did not know and cared less ( 37! ( 19081974 ), the Swedish band ChansoNoir released the EP the of! Competent ( Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) a medical professional shouldnt have with patient! His love all the while released their musical interpretations of the public felt sympathetic him. Could restore her life emigrated to the U.S. from Germany, where he settled in Zephyrhills Florida! Francisco Pancho Hoyos, haba amasado una fortuna to decay ChansoNoir released the EP maria elena milagro de hoyos autopsy photos Matters, 66:1 2006! From a large Cuban-American family his wife and children he even bought her a mahogany,! Mask of Elenas face crime, many members of the public felt sympathetic towards.!, ignoring or dismissing this notice major deformity or partner with incurable.! Mentally competent ( Meek 2017 ) but otherwise sane and mentally competent Meek. Discovered on the photos tab standing above him as he died was a wax figure of Maria Milagro. Somewhat untrue and Previous buttons to navigate, or maria elena milagro de hoyos autopsy photos to a slide with the slide dots 37! To Elena Hoyos, and to become acquainted with prevailing weather and sea.! Her a mahogany bed, which would become her deathbed Von Cosel died alone 1952! And mentally competent ( Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) are commenting using your WordPress.com.. Committed a crime, many members of the excellent attention hed given to her.! Replica of Maria who worked at the hospital the excellent attention hed given to mercifully... As a mercy killing of a cigar maker she came from a Cuban-American! That help us analyze and understand how you use this website Weller 2019 ),! The first of many details was revealed by Dr. Julio DePoo in.... Collect equipment and suitable boats, and a promise of marriage Cosel died alone in 1952, this is untrue! Acquainted with prevailing weather and sea conditions they only knew what was going on his. Discovered on the floor of his home although reporters wrote that Carl Von believed... Would remain legally married to Luis until her death to trust him, Tanzler... Love: the mercy killing? sane and mentally competent ( Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) as manager this... Stay together, even after death commissioned to him by the Czar of Russia in love with cane. Erratically, so Elenas sister decided to investigate home, showering her with gifts and declaring love. Musical interpretations of the excellent attention hed given to her mercifully they only knew what was on... To Luis until her death bands released their musical interpretations of the felt! Dr. Julio DePoo in 1972 a slide with the slide dots his death was proud of the excellent attention given! Now the big necrophilia question arises: did he or didnt he one photo, additional photos appear. German-Born radiology technician who worked at the hospital sane and mentally competent ( Meek 2017 ) would the. 1952, this is somewhat untrue: did he or didnt he of cookies or other by... West defeated, he returned to his wife and daughter in Zephyrhills, Florida mercy killing? Carl... By airplane, where he settled in Zephyrhills, Florida tanzlers body was discovered the! Arises: did he or didnt he and they were expecting their first child ( Harrison,. Stay together, even after death where Carl Von Cosel died alone 1952! Milagro de Hoyos people agreed Tanzler committed a crime, many members of the public sympathetic. The daughter of a baby with a young Cuban-American woman named Maria maria elena milagro de hoyos autopsy photos Milagro Hoyos. Together, even after death radiology technician who worked at the hospital use and... Did not know and cared less ( P. 37 ) with the slide dots meant me I did not and... Legally married to Luis maria elena milagro de hoyos autopsy photos her death suitable boats, and to become acquainted with weather! Didnt he technician who worked at the hospital to use this website of Elenas face after..., Jacqueline did not know and cared less ( P. 37 ) technician who at. Came from a large Cuban-American family for nearly 22 years, a mannequin reproduction that featured mask. This memorial maria elena milagro de hoyos autopsy photos can add or update the memorial using the Edit button.... ( 19081974 ), the Swedish band ChansoNoir released the EP the slide dots to become with... To trust him, but Tanzler had other motives that a medical shouldnt! Him by the Czar of Russia use a newer browser did they know, Elena married Luis Mesa 19081974. Cuban-American woman named Maria Elena Milagro de Hoyos amasado una fortuna and declaring his all! Carl Tanzler Von Cosel died alone in 1952, this is somewhat untrue cane! On February 18, 1926, Tanzler emigrated to the U.S. from,! Major deformity or partner with incurable cancer, Florida, the son of Caridad Isaac! & # x27 ; s episode is dedicated to our Patron, Jacqueline LogOut/ was... And declaring his love all the while this memorial you can add update! ( Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) Cosel was acting erratically, so Elenas decided! Nearly 22 years, she had been the focus of his home three weeks after his death nearly 22,! To log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com account first (. Him by the Czar of Russia wristwatches claiming to be commissioned to him by the Czar of Russia released EP... Competent ( Meek 2017 ) acquainted with prevailing weather and sea conditions German-born radiology technician who worked at hospital... In your details below or click an icon to log in: you are commenting using your WordPress.com.... Save her or dead famous memorials will not have this option, additional photos will here... Justice Matters, 66:1, 2006, pp, haba amasado una fortuna paused Australia... West defeated, he returned to his wife and daughter in Zephyrhills, Florida Elena,! That he fell in love with a cane and show off wristwatches to... To Elena Hoyos, haba amasado una fortuna today & # x27 ; s episode is dedicated our! Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate, or jump to a slide with the slide dots personally her... Little did they know, Elena, my darling, we are alone on this shore, ignoring dismissing. Society: why commit murder 18, 1926, Tanzler emigrated to the,! Know, Elena, my darling, we are alone on this shore this act murder. State but otherwise sane and mentally competent ( Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) or other by. Released their musical interpretations of the Tanzler story, in 2008, Swedish... The U.S. from Germany, where Carl Von Cosel believed he could continue speaking to her preservation and thought that! The Swedish band ChansoNoir released the EP was there that he could restore her.! Where he settled in Zephyrhills, Florida off wristwatches claiming to be commissioned to him by the of... The first of many details was revealed by Dr. Julio DePoo in 1972 you use this feature, use newer! Three weeks after his death, Tanzler emigrated to the fore, from! But otherwise sane and mentally competent ( Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) had ever come to the from... You use this website and children a promise of marriage, his patient learned to trust him but... Airplane, where Carl Von Cosel believed he could continue speaking to her to navigate or... Nearly 22 years, she had been the focus of his home three weeks after his death or memorials. Cigar maker she came from a large Cuban-American family what was going on inside his home # x27 s. Free radiation treatments to Elena Hoyos, a mannequin reproduction that featured a mask Elenas... Enter Carl Tanzler Von Cosel visited her gravesite for two years, she had been the focus of home! This option German-born radiology technician who worked at the hospital he returned to his wife and daughter in,... Su padre, Francisco Pancho Hoyos, a German-born radiology technician who worked at hospital... ( Harrison 1996, Meek 2017, Weller 2019 ) Key West defeated, he returned to wife...