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:
- Do not shout.
- Do what I tell you.
- 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.
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