SOLVED: The Acid Doctor Murder 2

Summary

Solved: The Acid Doctor Murder 2

Podcast: Murder: True Crime Stories
Host: Crime House
Release Date: July 8, 2025

---

Case Overview

In this gripping second installment of True Crime Stories, host Carter Roy delves deeper into the harrowing case of Hoyna Piller and her husband, Dr. Geza da Kaplani. Set against the backdrop of 1960s San Jose, California, this episode unravels the chilling murder, the ensuing trial, and the mysterious aftermath that left the community in shock.

---

The Tragic Murder of Hoyna Piller

On the evening of August 28, 1962, 25-year-old Hoyna Piller (later de Kaplani) returned to her San Jose apartment after visiting her mother in San Francisco. Her five-week-old marriage to Dr. Geza da Kaplani took a deadly turn that night.

Carter Roy narrates:

"At the sight of her, Geza seemed receptive. But a moment later, Geza stood up. He looked at Hoyna and said he knew the truth. He knew about her lover. Hoyna was confused." [06:36]

As Hoyna attempted to reconcile, Geza's demeanor shifted violently. According to forensic psychologist Dr. Tristan Engels, Hoyna was "lying on the bed, still naked, terrified and completely defenseless." [07:30]

Geza's actions escalated rapidly. He bound Hoyna, gagged her, and issued a chilling ultimatum in her native Hungarian:

1. Do not shout.
2. Do what I tell you.
3. Or else you will die.

"As if to show her he was serious, Geza cut Hoyna across the chest." [07:57]

He proceeded to pour acid over her face, leaving her with third-degree burns over 60% of her body. Despite the severity of her injuries, Hoyna was able to provide a crucial statement before succumbing to her wounds on September 30, 1962.

---

The Sensational Trial

Dr. Engels provides insight into the legal battle that ensued:

"Geza was still pleading insanity, but now the jury was no longer deciding if Geza had killed Hoyna. They were deciding if he was insane or not when he did it." [19:30]

Geza's defense hinged on an unconventional claim of multiple personalities, a precursor to what we now recognize as Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). His alternate identity, Pierre La Roche, was purportedly the one orchestrating the violence.

During the trial, the prosecution dismantled Geza's claims, especially when Ruth Kruger, a woman claiming to be Pierre's partner, testified against him. Her revelations undermined the defense's argument, leading to a unanimous guilty verdict:

"All 12 jurors were convinced that he was legally sane at the time of the crime, but still severely mentally ill." [32:06]

Geza was sentenced to life in prison, avoiding the death penalty due to his perceived mental state.

---

Parole and Disappearance

Despite the life sentence, Geza sought parole and was granted early release in 1975 under the condition of serving as a medical missionary in Taiwan. However, his stay was short-lived. By 1978, he expressed dissatisfaction with parole conditions and subsequently vanished from official records.

Dr. Engels remarks:

"If he's still alive, Geza de Kaplani would be 101 years old." [37:13]

Geza resurfaced in West Germany in 1980, where he remarried and resumed his medical career. Yet, his past caught up with him when he was exposed in a local magazine, leading to his dismissal from the hospital. Multiple extradition attempts were made, but Geza managed to evade capture until 2002, when a final interview revealed his continued lack of remorse.

---

Impact on Hoyna's Family

Hoyna's mother, Ilona Piller, endured immense grief. Carter Roy highlights:

"Ilona couldn't understand how he could do something so horrible." [12:43]

Ilona remained a steadfast figure until her passing in 2002, reuniting with Hoyna in peace, albeit without the justice that the family so desperately sought.

---

Conclusion

The Acid Doctor case is a haunting exploration of love turned lethal, the complexities of the human psyche, and the elusive nature of true justice. While Geza da Kaplani managed to evade permanent retribution, the family's suffering and the community's shock remain indelible marks on history.

Carter Roy concludes:

"And while they were denied the justice they deserved, hopefully they finally found peace." [37:31]

---

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Tristan Engels:
  "She emerged feeling refreshed and energized." [06:21]
  "She begged the police to untie her, but Hoyna was so drenched in acid." [09:03]
  "Geza was still pleading insanity, but now the jury was no longer deciding if Geza had killed Hoyna." [19:30]

• Carter Roy:
  "When Geza was formally charged with attempted murder, he was sure that Hoyna would survive." [11:48]
  "On September 30, after 33 days of agony, 25-year-old Hoyna Piller passed away from her injuries." [14:27]
  "If he's still alive, Geza de Kaplani would be 101 years old." [37:13]

---

Final Thoughts

Murder: True Crime Stories offers a comprehensive and deeply emotional recounting of the Acid Doctor case, shedding light on the darkest facets of human behavior and the quest for justice. This episode not only narrates the events but also delves into the psychological underpinnings that drove Geza da Kaplani to commit such a heinous act.

---

For more detailed explorations into true crime, follow Crime House on your preferred podcast platform.

Transcript

[Vanessa Richardson]

Hi there, it's Vanessa Richardson. Crime House is your go to destination for the most gripping true crime shows. On my show, Killer Minds. Join me and forensic psychologist Dr. Tristan Engels for two new episodes as we dive into the twisted story of the doctor Death serial killer Michael Swango. Craving more deep dives into the minds of the world's most dangerous killers. Follow Killer Minds on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you listen.

[Carter Roy]

This is Crime House. One of the world's greatest mysteries is the human brain. While we've come a long way in understanding how it functions, there's still so much we don't know. This was especially true decades ago in the 1960s. Back then, experts were just beginning to understand why certain people were more prone to mental health issues. And they were only starting to get a handle on the many kinds of psychological disorders that existed as a result.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Which made it the perfect loophole for.

[Carter Roy]

Someone looking to escape accountability. Someone like Gaza to Kapilani. In 1962, he was arrested at the scene of a horrendous crime, identified as the perpetrator, and confessed to murder.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

And yet he claimed he wasn't responsible for his actions.

[Carter Roy]

What followed was a sensational trial that would test the boundaries of the insanity defense and leave the public wondering, was justice really served? People's lives are like a story. There's a beginning, a middle, and an end. But you don't always know which part you're on. Sometimes the final chapter arrives far too soon and we don't always get to know the real ending. I'm Carter Roy and this is True Crime Stories, a Crime House original powered by Pave Studios that comes out every Tuesday at Crime House. We want to express our gratitude to you, our community, for making this possible. Please support us by rating, reviewing and following True Crime Stories wherever you get your podcasts and to enhance your Murder True Crime Stories listening experience, subscribe to Crime House plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

You'll get ad free listening, early access to every two part series, and exciting bonus content. A warning.

[Carter Roy]

This story contains descriptions of physical abuse, extreme violence and murder. Listener discretion is advised. This is the second of two episodes on the murder of 25 year old Hoyna Piller in 1962. The Hungarian Immigrant was brutally killed by her husband just five weeks into their marriage. Last time I told you about Hoyna's childhood and her journey from Hungary to California. I explained the struggles her family faced in America and how Hoyna's new husband, Dr. Geza da Kaplani, seemed to be the answer to their troubles. Today I'll tell you how Hoyna's life was cut tragically short by the same person who'd sworn to love and protect her. I'll detail the shocking trial that followed and the scandalous secrets that emerged along the way. All that and more coming up.

[Unknown]

Just got a new puppy or kitten. Congrats. But also, yikes. Between crates, beds, toys, treats, and those first few vet visits, you've probably already dropped a small fortune. Which is where Lemonade Pet Insurance comes in. It helps cover vet costs so you can focus on what's best for your new pet. The coverage is customizable, sign up is quick and easy, and your claims are handled in as little as 3 seconds. Pro Lemonade offers a package specifically for puppies and kittens. Get a'llemonade.com pet your future self will thank you. Your pet won't. They don't know what insurance is.

Buying a car in Carvana was so easy, I was able to finance it through them. I just.

[Carter Roy]

Whoa, wait. You mean finance?

[Unknown]

Yeah, finance. Got pre qualified for a Carvana auto loan, entered my terms and shot from thousands of great car options, all within my budget.

[Carter Roy]

That's cool.

[Unknown]

But financing through Carvana was so easy. Financed, done. And I get to pick up my car from their Carvana vending machine tomorrow. Financed, right? That's what they said. You can spend time trying to pronounce financing, or you can actually finance and buy your car. Today on car financing, subject to credit approval. Additional terms and conditions may apply.

[Carter Roy]

On the evening of August 28, 1962, 25 year old Hoyna Piller, now Hoyna de Kaplani, returned to her apartment in San Jose, California. She'd spent the day visiting her mother, Ilona, in San Francisco and running a few personal errands. Her new husband, Dr. Geza da Kaplani, was waiting for her when she arrived around 7pm despite how hot and muggy it was that day, Geza had all the windows shut tight as soon as Hoyna stepped through the front door. She felt suffocated by the stale warm air. But she didn't say anything to Geyse. She knew how easy it was to upset him, especially recently. So instead she made herself a sandwich, then hopped in the shower to cool off.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She emerged feeling refreshed and energized.

[Carter Roy]

Hoina was ready to spend some time with her husband. At the sight of her, Geza seemed receptive.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

They kissed and moved to the bed.

[Carter Roy]

But a moment later, Geza stood up. He looked at Hoyna and said he knew the truth. He knew about her lover. Hoyna was confused. She tried to tell him he was mistaken, but Geza didn't want to hear it.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Instead of trying to have a conversation, he slapped her again and again.

[Carter Roy]

Hoyna was too stunned to react.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She watched as Geza went over to his briefcase, reached inside and grabbed some.

[Carter Roy]

Electrical wire and tape.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Then he walked over to Hoyna and.

[Carter Roy]

Tied up her hands and feet.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Then he taped her mouth shut.

[Carter Roy]

It's not clear if Hoyna tried to.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Fight back, or if she was simply too shocked to do anything.

[Carter Roy]

But by that point, she was lying.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

On the bed, still naked, terrified and completely defenseless.

[Carter Roy]

When he turned to face her again, Hoyna saw he was holding a large knife.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Panic coursed through her, but Gaza was eerily calm. He held up a note written in.

[Carter Roy]

Their native language, Hungarian.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

It said, if you want to live, 1.

[Carter Roy]

Do not shout.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

2.

[Carter Roy]

Do what I tell you.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

3.

[Carter Roy]

Or else you will die. As if to show her he was serious, Geyser cut Hoyna across the chest. Then he went back to his bag. This time he returned with rubber gloves, cotton swabs, medical gauze and three bottles of acid.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

A warning.

[Carter Roy]

This next detail is pretty disturbing. If you want to skip ahead 30 seconds. With gloved hands, Geze carefully opened one of the bottles and held it above Hoyna's beautiful face. She screamed behind the tape, but her cries were muffled.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Seconds later, Geza poured the acid over her. When he was finished, he left Hoyna wailing on the bedroom floor. Then he called the San Jose police and said his wife was hurt.

[Carter Roy]

Officers arrived just after 10pm Gaza answered.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

The door and pointed them toward the bedroom. They walked in and saw Hoyna writhing on the floor in agony.

[Carter Roy]

Even the air smelled horrible from the acid fumes and burning flesh. As officers rushed to Hoyna's aid, Geza sat in the living room and watched.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She begged the police to untie her, but Hoyna was so drenched in acid.

[Carter Roy]

Even touching her was dangerous. When paramedics eventually arrived, they were finally able to free her. Hoyna was loaded onto a gurney and rushed to the nearest hospital. She was admitted with third degree chemical burns over 60% of her body, including her face and genitals. The prognosis wasn't good, and yet Hoyna still managed to give a statement to the police who'd accompanied her. She explained how methodical Geza had been, how calm and prepared he was, and how little he seemed to care about the pain he was causing her. Back at the apartment in San Jose, Geza's behavior only confirmed Hoyna's statement, he was officially taken into custody.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

But before the authorities took him down to the station, he insisted on changing.

[Carter Roy]

Out of his shorts and house slippers. Geza, now wearing a suit and tie.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Was escorted through the building's courtyard and.

[Carter Roy]

To a waiting police car. Neighbors who'd gathered to watch reported that he looked like he was going to a dinner party, not an interrogation room.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Under questioning, Geza never once denied what he'd done. He admitted to pouring acid on Hoyna, but he said he wasn't trying to kill her. According to Geza, he just wanted to.

[Carter Roy]

Scare her and to take away the.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Beauty that she'd used to ruin his life.

[Carter Roy]

Geza explained how he'd learned Hoyna was having an affair. He went on and on about how miserable he'd been and how much anguish.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

The situation had caused him. He practically waved off concerns about Hoina's injuries, calling them superficial. Even when he was formally charged with attempted murder, Geza was sure that Hoyna would survive.

[Carter Roy]

The doctors treating her weren't as confident. Hoyna was in critical condition, and her chances of survival were very low. Around 1:30am a few hours after she was admitted, Hoyna was intubated and put on a ventilator. Her mother, Ilona, sat beside her. Her grief was palpable.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Just two years before, Ilona had watched.

[Carter Roy]

Her husband wither away from cancer. Now she faced the reality of losing her only child in the grisliest way imaginable.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She'd thought Gaza was the answer to.

[Carter Roy]

Their prayers, but he was nothing more than the devil in disguise.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Ilona couldn't understand how he could do something so horrible.

[Carter Roy]

And she wasn't the only one looking for answers. By August 30, two days after the attack, news of the attack reached journalists around the Bay Area. The crime made for sensational headlines, and so did Hoyna's time as a showgirl. Soon, pictures of Hoyna wearing feathers, jewels.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

And little else were printed on the.

[Carter Roy]

Front page of nearly every paper. But for all the provocative reporting, the.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Story did manage to do some good. Before long, letters of well wishes and support came pouring into Alona, and with them, thousands of dollars in donations to.

[Carter Roy]

Help cover the costs of Hoyna's treatment. She was being worked on around the clock by a team of nine specialists.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Even in the face of impossible odds. They hoped to restore Hoyna's vision, which.

[Carter Roy]

Had been impaired, and prepare for future reconstructive procedures. While Hoyna was in the hospital, fighting for her life, Gaza was in county jail. The next time he was seen in public was 13 days after the attack on September 10, when he appeared before a grand jury. There he was indicted on charges of intent to commit murder, assault with acid and assault with a deadly weapon, among other crimes. By then, newspapers were publishing almost daily updates about Hoyna's condition, and things were looking worse by the day.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Still, when questioned, Geze refused to admit that his wife might die.

[Carter Roy]

But it didn't matter what he said. On September 30, after 33 days of agony, 25 year old Hoyna Piller passed away from her injuries. Three days later, old St. Mary's Church in San Francisco held a mass in her honor.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Because of all the press, 400 people.

[Carter Roy]

Showed up to mourn a woman they'd never met. That same day, 50 miles south, another grand jury held a special session to add a charge against Dr. Gaza Decaplani. First degree murder.

[Unknown]

Starting a business can seem like a daunting task unless you have a partner like Shopify. They have the tools you need to start and grow your business. From designing a website to marketing, to selling and beyond, Shopify can help with everything you need. There's a reason millions of companies like Mattel, Heinz and Allbirds continue to trust and use them. With Shopify on your side, turn your big business idea into Sign up for your $1 per month [e-mail] SpecialOffer On.

[Carter Roy]

August 28, 1962, 36 year old Geza Decaplani attacked his wife, 25 year old Hoyna with nitric acid. After calling the police on himself, Gaza was arrested and later indicted for attempted murder. The whole time he was in custody, Geza insisted Hoyna's injuries were minor. He was sure she'd make a full recovery. But on September 30, she sadly passed away, which meant Geze was now being charged with first degree murder. After several delays, Gaza's trial began a few months later. On January 14, 1963. His lawyer was a man named E.F. devilbus.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Together they agreed that he would plead.

[Carter Roy]

Not guilty by reason of insanity. But proving that would be difficult. At the time, the state of California required two things to show criminal insanity.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

First, the defendant needed to prove they.

[Carter Roy]

Couldn'T tell right from wrong at the time of the crime and and second, that they didn't understand the nature of their actions. Unfortunately for Geza and his lawyer, the state already had him evaluated psychologically. That doctor found no evidence of anything other than depression, which didn't qualify under the legal or medical definitions of insanity. The odds were not in Gaze's favor. He Knew that if he was found guilty, the best he could hope for was life in prison. At worst, he faced the death penalty. As the trial got underway, Gaza sat nearly motionless as his lawyer called witnesses to the stand. Co workers and friends who'd known him and Hoyna.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

They all said Geza was a reserved.

[Carter Roy]

Person who rarely got upset or angry. When the first responders testified, they said the same thing. They recalled how detached Geza had been the night of the attack.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Even when paramedics described Hoyna's injuries in detail, Geza didn't flinch.

[Carter Roy]

But on the seventh day of the trial, his demeanor changed. The assistant district attorney was questioning the doctor who'd been treated Hoyna that evening. During the proceedings, the assistant DA showed.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

The court photos of Hoyna in the hospital. The moment the first picture was brought.

[Carter Roy]

Out, Geza lost it.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

He jumped out of his chair and lunged for the photo. He shouted, what did you do to her? Almost like he'd forgotten he was the one who'd done. Took multiple court officers to restrain him.

[Carter Roy]

Dragging him out of the chamber until he calmed down.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

After 30 minutes, they brought him back in. He spent the rest of the day.

[Carter Roy]

Sitting at the defense table, crying. When court adjourned, he was taken to an observation cell in case he tried to harm himself. It had only been a week, but Gaza's trial was already off to a dramatic start.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

And it only continued when his lawyer announced that his client was changing his plea to guilty.

[Carter Roy]

The move completely changed the purpose of the trial.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Geza was still pleading insanity, but now the jury was no longer deciding if.

[Carter Roy]

Geza had killed Hoyna. They were deciding if he was insane or not when he did it, and their answer would determine how harsh his sentence would be. This new phase of the trial began on January 21, 1963. The state called many of the same witnesses as before, but this time the focus was on Geza's mental health.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Again, he was described as previously being mostly controlled and aloof.

[Carter Roy]

No one could recall anything strange about his behavior in the past. Officers who interviewed him after the attack.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Said that he never showed remorse for his actions, but that he seemed to.

[Carter Roy]

Understand exactly what he'd done. The prosecution also put two psychiatrists on the stand. Both had spoken to Gaza at length multiple times in the months since the murder. Neither of them found any evidence of mental illness that would qualify him as legally insane. In response, the defense produced two psychiatrists of their own.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

The first testified that he'd given Geza.

[Carter Roy]

Every psychological test under the sun, and the results pointed toward paranoid schizophrenia. The second, Dr. Lindsey Beaton, had a theory that today would be considered even more shocking, and it stemmed from Gaza's relationships with his parents. According to Dr. Beaton, Geza's relationship with his mother had been frustrating. Despite how close she and Geza had been, she rejected him by employing nannies to help raise him and his brothers. Dr. Beaton argued this set Geza up to expect rejection from women later in life. On the other hand, his father was.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

So distant, Geza never even pretended to.

[Carter Roy]

Have a relationship with him.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

The way Geza saw it, his father didn't see him as a real man.

[Carter Roy]

According to Dr. Beaton, taken together, those.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Two situations had turned Geza into a latent homosexual, which was considered a major.

[Carter Roy]

Mental illness at the time. And I cannot stress it enough, no legitimate doctor would ever think this anymore. But in that present moment, by claiming.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

That Geza might be gay, Dr. Beaton.

[Carter Roy]

Was arguing that he was actually sick.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

However, it still didn't meet the legal.

[Carter Roy]

Definition of insanity, specifically that Geza didn't understand right from wrong at the moment of the crime.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

But Geza and his defense had another.

[Carter Roy]

Possibly more compelling explanation. Multiple personalities. Today, this diagnosis is known as Dissociative Identity Disorder. Those suffering from did have at least two distinct identities or original alters existing within the same body.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Even now, many experts consider it to.

[Carter Roy]

Be a rare and puzzling disorder. But in 1963, it was practically unheard of. None of that seemed to worry the defense, though.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

In fact, they were going to use.

[Carter Roy]

It to their advantage.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Because while the jury might not know.

[Carter Roy]

About did, they had someone who did.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

They called Dr. A. Russell Lee to the stand.

[Carter Roy]

He'd been hired for his expertise in.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Schizophrenia, but was now there to comment.

[Carter Roy]

On Gaza's possible did. He'd first interviewed Gaza about it just.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Four days before his courtroom appearance.

[Carter Roy]

Dr. Lee played the jury taped recordings of his interviews with Geza.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

In them, Geza described his mental state.

[Carter Roy]

After World War II. It seemed like Gaza experienced intense survivor's guilt. He said that he felt split, especially after the air raid that killed two of his three brothers. From then on, according to Gaza, it.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Felt like someone else was always with him.

[Carter Roy]

This other person embodied all of Gaza's negative qualities.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Gaza said his name was Pierre La.

[Carter Roy]

Roche and he was malicious and violent. He was the one who wanted revenge against Hoyna for her alleged rejection, not Geza.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

And yet, the more Geza talked about him, the more it seemed like he wanted to be Pierre. He imagined Pierre was a big, husky man.

[Carter Roy]

In contrast, Geza had always been Insecure about his small frame and lack of muscles, Pierre drank and smoked and frequented bars and nightclubs. He also made decisions that Geza was.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Too timid to make, like moving to America after fleeing Hungary.

[Carter Roy]

All of this made it sound like maybe Pierre was just an alter ego, a Persona Geza stepped into whenever he needed to feel braver or to justify making certain decisions. That is, until Geza told Dr. Lee about the periods of amnesia he began to experience. According to Geza, Pierre would take over from time to time. Later, Geza would come back and have no memory of what had happened. Geza said it was like waking up.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

From a deep sleep. All of a sudden, people he'd never seen before were greeting him like they were old friends, calling him Pierre. Apparently Pierre. Pierre was even capable of having entire relationships with people that Geza had no.

[Carter Roy]

Knowledge of, which was how Gaza came.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

To know a woman named Ruth Kruger.

[Carter Roy]

She was a fellow immigrant who'd come looking for Geza at the hospital one day. Only she wasn't actually looking for Gaza.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She was looking for Pierre. Because she was going to have a baby.

[Carter Roy]

His baby.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

And soon she was going to be.

[Carter Roy]

Called to the stand to testify about it.

[Unknown]

Amazon One Medical Presents Painful Thoughts I've.

Been on hold to make a doctor's appointment for 23 minutes now. The automated voice has told me 47 times that my call is very important to them. Hmm, I'm starting to think that they don't think my call is important at all.

With Amazon One Medical 24. 7 Virtual Care, you'll get help fast without having to remain on the line to make an appointment. Amazon One Medical Healthcare just got less painful.

Psst. Your payments are showing, but with Apple Cash, your payments are private by design. There are no public feeds, awkward reactions, or unnecessary payment drama. Apple Cash lets you send cash and messages right in the conversation you're already having, or with tap to cash paste someone next to you without looking up a username or scanning a QR code. Just hold your iPhone near someone else's to send, Switch to Apple Cash and start sending privately. Apple Cash services are provided by Green Dot bank member fdic.

[Peyton Moreland]

Are you ready to dive into the unknown? Join me, Peyton Moreland on Into the Dark, the true crime podcast from Ono Media with a hint of horror and mystery. Each week I dive into a different case, breaking down the facts and pondering the age old question, why do people do what they do? Now, sometimes the answer isn't so clear, and that's why I'll also explore conspiracy theories, hauntings and all things spooky, from the Green River Killer to the Mothman incident, We will unravel all of the questions that keep us up at night. So don't miss out. Subscribe now on your favorite podcast platform. New episodes drop every Wednesday into the Dark, where true crime meets the eerie.

[Vanessa Richardson]

Unknown.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

In January 1963, 36 year old.

[Carter Roy]

Gaza DeCaplani's trial took an unexpected turn. His defense team was trying to prove.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

That Gaza was legally insane when he.

[Carter Roy]

Murdered his wife, 25 year old Hoyna. But rather than a more typical diagnosis, Geza's lawyer was pushing for something relatively unheard of at the time. They claimed Geza had multiple personalities, or what we today know as dissociative identity disorder. According to Gaza, his alternate identity, Pierre La Roche, was in charge at various points of Geza's life. During those times, Geza had no memory of anything, which is common for those suffering from did. That's how he found himself having a.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Child with a woman he'd apparently never met.

[Carter Roy]

In 1959, two years before he met Hoyna, Geza was living in Boston, Massachusetts. He was at the hospital where he worked when ruth Kruger, a 25 year old bank teller who just emigrated from.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

West Germany, came looking for him.

[Carter Roy]

Or rather, she was looking for Pierre.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

According to Geza, he had no memory.

[Carter Roy]

Of any ever meeting Ruth, but she didn't know that. So when she saw him, she came.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Right out and said she was pregnant.

[Carter Roy]

And although Gaza claimed he had no idea who she was, he didn't question her.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

He told Ruth he would support the.

[Carter Roy]

Child financially, but he had no intention of marrying her.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Disappointed and alone, Ruth moved to Sweden.

[Carter Roy]

Where she had the baby. It was a fantastical story and the prosecution didn't waste any time tracking down.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Ruth and bringing her to the US. A few days later, the now 29.

[Carter Roy]

Year old testified against Gaza.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Ruth corroborated most of Gaza's account.

[Carter Roy]

She said they'd met in 1959 and and had a brief relationship that resulted in her having a child. But she added a lot of details that Geza hadn't shared, including the actual excuse he gave for not marrying her.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

According to Ruth, the problem wasn't that.

[Carter Roy]

Geza didn't know her, it was that.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

He said he already had a wife and she was in a mental hospital. In fact, Ruth believed this version of events for four years, up until the moment the prosecution contacted her. But that wasn't even the biggest bombshell Ruth dropped, because Ruth said she'd never.

[Carter Roy]

Heard of Pierre Le Roche under oath.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She told the court. She'd only known the father of her.

[Carter Roy]

Child by one name, Gaza. To Kaplani, Ruth's testimony was a massive blow to the defense, one they struggled to recover from before the jury entered deliberations. It took two days for them to.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Come back with a verdict, and in the end, the jury found Gaza guilty.

[Carter Roy]

Of murder in the first degree.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

But they recommended sentencing him to life in prison rather than the death penalty. All 12 jurors were convinced that he was legally sane at the time of.

[Carter Roy]

The crime, but still severely mentally ill. And while they wanted to hold him accountable, they didn't think execution was warranted. After the trial, Gaza was sent to the California medical facility about 90 miles north of San Jose in Vacaville. But that's not where his story ended. At the time, there was no such thing as life without parole, which meant Geza would be periodically given the chance to receive his freedom. And he was determined to get out one way or another. His first two hearings were uneventful, but.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

The third, which took place in 1975.

[Carter Roy]

12 years after his sentencing, was different. This time around, Geza had a plan.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

He asked the board to let him.

[Carter Roy]

Travel to Taiwan as a medical missionary.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

That way, he could use his knowledge.

[Carter Roy]

And skills as a doctor to atone for his sins. Geza had managed to get the Catholic Church on his side. Father Christopher, who'd married him in Hoyna.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Organized a letter writing campaign. He even petitioned the Archbishop of San Francisco, who personally reached out to the chairman of the parole board. But while Geza had the church's support.

[Carter Roy]

There was no one there for Hoyna.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Her mother, Alona Piller, was still alive.

[Carter Roy]

Although her health had declined since the trial.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Still, the parole board didn't alert her or the prosecution about this third hearing, and so there was no one there.

[Carter Roy]

To fight them on it. On November 13, 1975, 48 year old.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Gaza was released on parole after serving.

[Carter Roy]

Just 12 years of his life sentence. He was freed on the condition that he would travel to Taiwan to work as a medical missionary. So that's exactly what he did. But once he was out of the country, Gezer quickly changed his tune. Just three years later, in 1978, he.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Wrote a letter complaining that his regular parole checks amounted to harassment. He even threatened to sue the state of California for $1 million if they continued to persecute him.

[Carter Roy]

And then the following year, he disappeared. When officials realized he was missing, a warrant went out for his arrest and his name was given to Interpol.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

But it seems like no one followed up. Even when Geze resurfaced in West Germany in 1980. He'd apparently remarried while in Taiwan, and he and his new wife were living happily in their new home. He was even working at a hospital again.

[Carter Roy]

But he couldn't outrun his past forever. At some point that year, a local.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Women'S magazine published an article about infamous.

[Carter Roy]

Criminals, and Geza made the list. After being outed as the Acid Doctor, Gaza was fired and presumably forced to start over in a new West German town. But even though Geza's true identity was.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

No longer a secret, he still seemed untouchable. Two parole agents recommended extradition, first in 1982, then again in 1994.

[Carter Roy]

For whatever reason, it seems like both of those requests weren't carried out. After that, Geza went dark again. No one heard from him until 2002, when he was 76 years old. That year, the San Jose Mercury News tracked him down for the 40th anniversary of Hoyna's murder. By that point, Geza was living a quiet life in a small town in northwest Germany. He'd become a German citizen two years prior, which meant extradition was off the table. During the interview, Gaza still didn't show any remorse for his actions.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Instead, he begged the reporter to think about the damage the article would cause him. Geza said what he'd done to Hoyna.

[Carter Roy]

Was a mistake, one that he'd, quote, paid enough for. After the interview, the Acid Doctor truly faded into obscurity.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

If he's still alive, Geza de Kaplani.

[Carter Roy]

Would be 101 years old. That same year, in 2002, Hoyna's mother, Ilona, passed away at 90 years old.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

She was buried in the family plot with her husband, Ann Hoyna.

[Carter Roy]

At long last they were reunited. And while they were denied the justice they deserved, hopefully they finally found peace. Thanks so much for listening. I'm Carter Roy and this is True Crime Stories. Come back next week for the story.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Of a new murder and all the people it affected.

[Carter Roy]

Murder True Crime Crime Stories is a Crime House original, powered by Pave Studios. Here at Crime House, we want to thank each and every one of you for your support. If you like what you heard today, reach out on social media, rimehouse on TikTok and Instagram.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Don't forget to rate, review and follow.

[Carter Roy]

Murder True Crime Stories. Wherever you get your podcasts, your feedback truly makes it difference.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

And to enhance your Murder True Crime Stories listening experience, subscribe to Crime House.

[Carter Roy]

Plus on Apple Podcasts.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

You'll get every episode ad free.

[Carter Roy]

And instead of having to wait for.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

Each episode of a two part series. You'll get access to both at once.

[Carter Roy]

Plus exciting bonus content.

[Dr. Tristan Engels]

We'll be back next Tuesday.

[Carter Roy]

Mercury True Crime Stories is hosted by me, Carter Roy and is a Crime House original. Powered by Pave Studios, this episode was brought to life by the Murder True Crime Stories team. Max Cutler, Ron Shapiro, Alex Benedon, Natalie Pertzofsky, Sarah Camp, Megan Hannam, Hania Saeed and Russell Nash. Thank you for listening.

[Vanessa Richardson]

Hi there, it's Vanessa Richardson. Crime House is your go to destination for the most gripping true crime shows on my show, Killer Minds. Join me and forensic psychologist Dr. Tristan Engels for two new episodes as we dive into the twisted story of the doctor Death serial killer Michael Swango. Craving more deep dives into the minds of the world's most dangerous killers? Follow Killer Minds on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music or wherever you listen.