Franz Ziereis

According to an affidavit by Hans Maršálek, Franz Ziereis, who was shot, was interrogated for several hours in the Gusen concentration camp on May 22, 1945. The interrogation took place after Ziereis' failed attempt to escape from US soldiers, in the presence of division commander Seibel, the prison doctor Koszeinski and an unknown Pole. Ziereis confessed to the mass killing of prisoners through penal labor and tunnel blasting. He also stated that everyday objects such as lampshades, book covers and cases were made from the tattooed skin of victims.

After being discovered by members of the US Army, the former camp commandant Franz Ziereis was shot while trying to escape on May 23, 1945 and, after being able to make a statement on May 24, 1945, succumbed to his injuries on May 25, 1945.