Hugo Ignatz Rudolf Schenk was born on February 11, 1849, in Čechy pod Kosířem, which was part of the Margraviate of Moravia in the Austrian Empire. Today, this area is located in the Czech Republic. He was born into a well-off family. His father, Wilhelm Schenk, was a judge who worked in Moravia and Cieszyn. His mother, Barbara, came from a family that had a notable status in the local community; her father was a burger of Olomouc. Hugo had a brother who worked as a community doctor in Maria Taferl.

As he grew up, Schenk's life took an unusual turn. He began his criminal activities in 1869 and 1870 when he was involved in marriage fraud. He deceived women into thinking he wanted to marry them, only to take their dowries. Due to these actions, Schenk was arrested and sentenced to five years in the Mírov detention center for fraud. However, he was pardoned after serving just two years.

After his release, Schenk continued his life of crime. At the age of 32, he was convicted again for marriage fraud and sent to Stein Prison to serve a two-year sentence. While in prison, he met Karl Schlossarek, who was also incarcerated for theft. This connection would later play a significant role in Schenk's later activities.

In January 1883, Schenk was released from prison. He then met Josefine Timal, a 34-year-old maid in Vienna. He convinced her to trust him and leave her job, promising marriage. She left with all her belongings, believing they were going on a honeymoon.

Hugo Ignatz Rudolf Schenk began his criminal activities in 1869. He was initially involved in fraud, specifically pretending to be married to different women to gain their dowries. After being convicted for these actions, he was sentenced to five years in prison but was released after two years.

In January 1883, Schenk was released from prison and shortly after met Josefine Timal, a 34-year-old maid in Vienna. He convinced her to leave her job and travel with him under the false promise of marriage. However, he raped her and then, with the help of his accomplice Karl Schlossarek, killed her by tying her up, robbing her, and throwing her body into the Hranice Abyss.

Worried that Josefine's aunt Katharina might notice her disappearance, Schenk invited Katharina to his estate, where he again conspired to kill. On June 21, 1883, he and Schlossarek overpowered and drowned her in the Danube River after robbing her.

In a further bid to acquire money, Schenk murdered Theresia Ketterl in Lilienfeld and Rosa Ferenczi near Kittsee, burying their bodies in the river.

On January 10, 1884, Schenk was arrested, and Schlossarek was apprehended the following day. Both men were found guilty and sentenced to death. They were executed by hanging on April 22, 1884. Following the execution, Schenk's skull was preserved in a museum for further study.