Woman kept in basement for 24 years, subjected to incest

In an Austrian incest case revealed Monday morning, 42-year-old Elisabeth Fritzi, who has been considered missing for the past 24 years, was found captive in a windowless cellar, where her father has kept her imprisoned since her disappearance on August 24, 1984.

Elisabeth’s father, 73-year-old Josef Fritzi, started sexually abusing her when she was 11 and, seven years later, handcuffed and locked her in their cellar. A letter later arrived at the Fritzi’s doorstep, supposedly from Elisabeth, stating that her parents should not look for her. Elisabeth’s mother figured that she had disappeared at her own will, completely unaware that her daughter was being held prisoner in the cellar. She was also unaware that Josef fathered seven children with his daughter during these 24 years.

Three of Elisabeth’s children have been living in the cellar with Elisabeth, never emerging to see the light of day. Three others were left on the doorstep of Josef and his wife, one after the other, with a note from “Elisabeth” stating she could not care for them herself. Josef and his wife cared for these children, his wife unaware of the truth. The seventh child died after birth. Josef burned the infant’s body.

This case came to the attention of the authorities Saturday evening in the town of Amstetten, after one of the children locked in the cellar was taken to the hospital, said to be very ill. Josef then admitted to the horrifying acts and led the police to the cellar, unlocking its solid, electronically keyless, concrete doors, to reveal his captives.

DNA tests are currently being conducted to confirm that Josef fathered these children. Elisabeth and her children who were held captive in the cellar are now under medical treatment and surveillance. Josef is being held in custody and is expected to appear in court later today. Their 19-year-old daughter, whose hospitalization led to this discovery, is still said to be in critical condition.