Maria Romberg was born in 1697 in Sweden. At the age of 19, she was compelled into marriage with Anders Broberg, a merchant 27 years her senior, residing in Borås. The marriage was reportedly unhappy; Broberg was described as abusive and struggled with alcoholism. In 1719, Maria began an affair with her childhood friend, Haqvin Wijndruf, a member of a prominent and affluent family in Borås. Their relationship was widely known, with many in the community facilitating their correspondence. 

In 1722, Broberg sought the intervention of two vicars to counsel Maria regarding her conduct. Despite these admonitions, Maria and Haqvin made two unsuccessful attempts to poison Broberg. Subsequently, Maria enlisted the help of a cunning woman named Romans Ingeborg, reputed for her magical abilities and alleged involvement in previous murders for hire. Together, they devised plans to eliminate Broberg, including a failed strangulation attempt. In 1724, they confided in Maria's maid, Karin Andersdotter, who had her own grievances against Broberg due to his abusive behavior.​

On December 28, 1724, following another session with the vicars, Maria, Haqvin, Ingeborg, and Karin conspired to murder Anders Broberg. That night, the three women entered Broberg's bedroom while he slept. Ingeborg struck him on the head multiple times, resulting in his death. They then staged the scene to appear as though Broberg had accidentally fallen and sustained a fatal head injury. However, upon examination, authorities suspected foul play, leading to the arrest of Maria and her accomplices. Karin was the first to confess, followed by Maria, who also urged Haqvin to admit his involvement. Initially, Haqvin denied any participation, attempted to implicate Maria with claims of multiple affairs, and even tried to escape custody. Eventually, he was apprehended and confessed. On February 23, 1725, all four were found guilty and sentenced to death. The executions were carried out on April 14, 1725, with each receiving a specific punishment:​

Maria was decapitated and her body burned.​ Haqvin was decapitated, and his head was displayed on a pole. Ingeborg had her hand cut off before being decapitated and her body burned.​ Karin was decapitated and buried.​ 

The case garnered significant attention in Sweden, leading to the decline of the Wijndruf family's influence in Borås. Haqvin's brother, Andreas, was ordained as a priest shortly after the executions and emigrated to North America in the summer of 1725.