Frank Gust was born on May 24, 1969, in Oberhausen, Germany. He grew up in an ordinary environment, but he showed troubling behaviors at a young age. From early childhood, he was known to abuse animals, which demonstrated a pattern of cruelty. This behavior escalated as he got older.

By the time he was 13, Gust began breaking into morgues. This unusual practice pointed to a deeper problem. He had disturbing interests that involved necrophilia. 

Between 1994 and 1998, Frank Gust killed four women. His first victim was a 28-year-old hitchhiker from South Africa. She was living in the Netherlands and was on a trip across Europe. Her body was found decapitated in a forest near Ede.

In 1996 and 1998, Gust picked up two prostitutes from Essen central station and killed them as well. His last presumed victim was the 47-year-old aunt of his wife. He arranged the bodies of his victims in places where they would be discovered shortly after their deaths. However, the body of his aunt-in-law has never been found.

In 1999, Gust confessed to his mother that he had committed a murder. She told a friend, who then informed the police. Gust was arrested soon after. On September 21, 2000, he was sentenced to life in prison for the murders of the four women. He began therapy but quit after six months, saying he could not be treated and would always be a danger to others.