Imagine living in a farmhouse in Caieiras. This farmhouse is not just any farmhouse. It is where Josef Mengele once lived. Mengele was a Nazi doctor.
In 1969, Mengele bought this farmhouse with the Stammers. Mengele was half owner. Wolfgang Gerhard gave his identity card to Mengele in 1971. Gerhard was returning to Germany for medical treatment.
The Stammers’ friendship with Mengele ended in 1974. They bought a house in Sāo Paulo. Mengele was not invited to join them. The Stammers then bought a bungalow in Diadema. They rented it to Mengele.
Mengele’s son Rolf visited him in 1977. Rolf had not seen his father since 1956. Rolf found an unrepentant Nazi. Mengele claimed he never harmed anyone. He said he only carried out his duties as an officer.
Mengele’s health declined since 1972. He had a stroke in 1976. Mengele experienced high blood pressure. He developed an ear infection. This infection affected his balance.
In 1979, Mengele visited friends in Bertioga. While swimming, he had a heart attack and drowned. Mengele was buried as Wolfgang Gerhard. He had been using this identity since 1971.
Sightings of Mengele were reported worldwide. Even after his death, people thought he was alive. In 1985, his remains were exhumed. Forensic examination showed it was Mengele.
DNA testing confirmed Mengele’s identity in 1992. His family refused to return his remains to Germany. The skeleton is used for education. It is at the Sāo Paulo Institute for Forensic Medicine. It is used in forensic medicine courses.
So, standing here in Caieiras, remember the dark history. This farmhouse connects to a story of escape and hidden identity. It reminds us of the importance of justice and remembrance.