Deadly Baby Wish: Horses & Hangmen on HBO Max: The Case of the Danish Horse Slaughterers
Documentary series about a series of sensational criminal cases in Denmark
What is the series about?
Deadly Baby Wish is a documentary series on HBO Max that, in 2025, focused on a number of unusual and tragic criminal cases in Denmark. The fourth episode of the series, titled Horses & Hangmen, delves into a specific case where the boundaries between personal ambitions, desperate life wishes, and brutal crime blur. Through interviews with investigators and relatives, the series paints a portrait of an environment where the outward facade hides deep secrets and potentially deadly consequences. The streaming service HBO Max has attempted to bring the more obscure Danish cases to light with this production, which has garnered significant attention among true crime enthusiasts.
The real case
The real case behind Horses & Hangmen is set in the Danish countryside, where equestrian sports and agriculture form the central framework. Although the details of the case have been closely guarded for the sake of the parties involved, the documentary reveals how a series of financial disputes and personal tragedies led to an escalation of violence. The case involves complex human relationships, where a burning desire to create a family — the so-called baby wish — acts as a catalyst for the subsequent tragic events. The police in Denmark have had to navigate a closed environment during the investigation, where confidentiality and loyalty often take precedence over the law. You can read more about similar cases in our archive of <a href='/krimidex/danske-kriminalsager'>Danish criminal cases</a>.
Timeline of the case
The course of the case regarding Horses & Hangmen spans several years but culminated in the events that form the basis for the episode's dramatic narrative. The investigation was initiated when local authorities discovered irregularities at a number of properties in Jutland, which led the police to uncover a network with ties to both the legitimate horse industry and the criminal underworld. The core of the case lies at the intersection of desperation and cynicism, which the documentary series Deadly Baby Wish manages to visualize through previously unseen footage and testimonies. For a broader understanding of investigative techniques, one can consult <a href='/krimidex/politiet-efterforskning'>The Police and Investigation</a>.
Watch the series
Deadly Baby Wish can be streamed exclusively on HBO Max. The series consists of several independent episodes, each addressing a new case, but Horses & Hangmen stands out due to its unique Danish context and the grim atmosphere that characterizes the production. For viewers who wish to understand the psychological mechanisms behind complex crimes, this episode offers a rare insight into a case that has otherwise received little coverage in the national media. Also, check out other productions on the subject under