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Skull Not Hitler's; Suicide in Doubt

Bullet-pierced skull fragment belongs to woman under 40, say scientists

By Mary Papenfuss, Newser Staff

Posted Sep 28, 2009 2:23 AM CDT

(Newser) – A portion of bullet-pierced skull believed to be Adolf Hitler's is actually from the head of a woman under 40, throwing into question how the Nazi dictator died, American scientists have revealed. The skull portion, seized by Russians after soldiers stormed Hitler's bunker, has the DNA, bone thickness and fusion patterns of a younger woman and not a man Hitler's age, 56, according to tests at the University of Connecticut. Hitler's lover Eva Braun was 33.

The stunning discovery casts doubt on the generally accepted version of events that Hitler shot himself in his bunker with Braun as the Russians stormed Berlin. Braun and Hitler's bodies were pulled from the bunker, tossed in a shallow hole, doused with gas and set afire, according to witnesses. A skull fragment believed to be Hitler's was later dug up at the spot and examined by scientists in Russia, where it has remained. US scientists were allowed recently to examine the skull and collect DNA samples.

Adolf Hitler salutes as he oversees his military troop during the Nazi occupation of Poland. (Getty Images)

Adolf Hitler enjoys an ecstatic reception at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin as he arrives to address 132,000 Hitler youth. (Getty Images)

Adolf Hitler strikes a pose. (Getty Images)

Adolf Hitler during World War II. (Getty Images)

14th October 1944: German dictator Adolf Hitler at various moments during his delivery of a speech. (Getty Images)

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Skull Not Hitler's; Suicide in Doubt

Bullet-pierced skull fragment belongs to woman under 40, say scientists

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Rent Hitler's 'Wolf's Lair'

Underground Nazi HQ is available for $139,000 a year

Letter Baring Hitler's Jewish Hatred Goes on Display

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Hugo Boss 'Sorry' for Founder's Nazi Past

Book on company's wartime history released

UK Spies Plotted to Feed Hitler Estrogen

They hoped an Adolf 'herr' to 'her' transformation might curb violence

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Expert says they are original, could go for $100K

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Skull Not Hitler's; Suicide in Doubt

Bullet-pierced skull fragment belongs to woman under 40, say scientists

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

suicide • Adolf Hitler • skull • World War II • bunker buster • Eva Braun

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Rent Hitler's 'Wolf's Lair'

Underground Nazi HQ is available for $139,000 a year

Letter Baring Hitler's Jewish Hatred Goes on Display

Chillingly warns of 'removal' of Jews under 'strong' nation

Hugo Boss 'Sorry' for Founder's Nazi Past

Book on company's wartime history released

UK Spies Plotted to Feed Hitler Estrogen

They hoped an Adolf 'herr' to 'her' transformation might curb violence

For Sale: Portraits of Hitler's Parents

Expert says they are original, could go for $100K

About Us

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Newser By Users

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What is Newser?