Carl Menarik was born on October 2, 1889, in Vienna, Austria. He lived there during his childhood and early years. In June 1914, Carl immigrated to New York City from Austria-Hungary. His move was a significant step, as it was at the start of World War I, which brought many changes to Europe and the world.

After arriving in New York City, Carl found a job as a porter at the German Odd Fellows' Home in Unionport, New York, now part of the Bronx. He got this job through the Immigrant Free Employment Bureau. The home was a place that cared for many people, including orphans and elderly men and women.

While working at the nursing home, Carl began to show unusual behavior. He was well-liked by younger residents and visitors but scared the older residents. He was known to wear a white lab coat and a stethoscope, asking the elderly to call him "Herr Doktor." This behavior suggested that Carl had a desire for power and recognition that went beyond his job as a porter.

In a four-month period from September 1914 to January 1915, 17 residents died at the German Odd Fellows' Home in New York City. This raised suspicions, and the administration called the police to investigate. The main suspect was Frederick Mors, known as Carl Menarik, who was an employee at the home. He had poisoned at least eight elderly residents using arsenic and chloroform.

Mors confessed to the police, saying he killed these patients as an act of mercy. He described his method of using chloroform. He would place a cotton ball soaked in chloroform over the patient’s nose. When they fainted, he would stuff cotton into their ears and nostrils. He would also pour chloroform down their throat to keep the fumes from escaping.

During the investigation, police realized that both patients and staff were frightened of Mors. His calm admission of guilt made him the focus of their inquiry. The district attorney deemed him criminally insane and committed him to Hudson River State Hospital.

Mors escaped from the hospital in May 1916. In 1917, he was found living under the alias Frederick Maurice Beno in Torrington, Connecticut. He worked in a first aid department and even sent letters admitting to the murders. He left behind notes indicating suicidal intent and disappeared in April 1918.

In May 1923, a skeleton was discovered that was later identified as Mors. The remains had been there for several years. Officials confirmed his identity through the type of shoes found nearby, which matched those he wore. They also found two bottles that were believed to contain poison.