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Who Killed Mr. Krabs? How Did Mr. Krabs Die? (Updated 2023)

Bikini Bottom is a happy place.

And most of us would love the opportunity to eat a Krabby Patty.

So imagine the horror of learning about Mr. Krabs’ death…

But he didn’t just die.

Somebody killed him.

And there’s more to this crime scene than you think…

Continue reading to learn:

  • The suspects behind Mr. Krabs’ gruesome death.
  • What caused Bikini Bottom’s crimson sea crab to die.
  • When SpongeBob Squarepants aired this scary episode.
  • And so much more…

Who killed Mr. Krabs?

Mr. Krabs was killed by an unknown attacker. And based on the evidence, 2 people fit the description. SpongeBob Squarepants’ motives make him the prime suspect. But Plankton can also be at fault, given his history. And yet there’s reason to believe Patrick or Squidward could be the culprit too. 

#1: SpongeBob’s motives

Our bright yellow sea sponge might look harmless.

However, take a quick look at the Karate Choppers episode.

And you’ll see he can fight pretty well.

But if we’re talking about an actual murder…

Does SpongeBob have it in him to kill Mr. Krabs?

Unfortunately, the answer is yes.

According to the Trial of SpongeBob Squarepants. Which is a document relaying the news of Mr. Krabs’ death.

He had a motive to kill his boss…

And that was denying the sea sponge a raise.

It also stated that SpongeBob needed the money to pay the bank.

Or else they would take away his pineapple house.

And if we’re standing with these facts alone…

Research shows these are common motives for murder.

However, the strongest piece of evidence was the weapon.

Mr. Krabs’ throat had been cut with a metal spatula.

So who else in Bikini Bottom uses one?

None other than famous fry cook SpongeBob Squarepants.

In fact, underwater authorities also searched through the sponge’s house.

And they found another spatula with Mr. Krabs’ blood and SpongeBob’s fingerprints. 

In his defense, the sponge claims it was from a cut.

But how can we trust his word now with everything stacked against him?

You might be also interested in: SpongeBob vs Squidward: Who Would Win A Fight?

#2: Plankton’s conspiracy

Plankton's Conspiracy

While many assume SpongeBob committed the murder…

There’s another side to this story.

One that covers Mr. Krabs’ long-time rival, Plankton.

According to Bikini Bottom’s police, no physical evidence links Chum Bucket’s owner.

However, his actions and decisions after the death are worrying.

For example, 3 days after the murder… 

Plankton starts selling burger recipes on his website.

What kind, you ask?

Well, the type that uses crabs as ingredients.

And after comparing it with the Krabby Patty formula.

The recipe was very similar…

However, it wasn’t exactly the same. 

But that’s not the only evidence linking Plankton.

2 days after the murder, he heads off to the bank.

The suspicious Chum Bucket owner pays off SpongeBob’s house loans.

And even if no spatulas or recipes were found in Plankton’s home…

Could it be possible that he made a deal with the sea sponge?

Many people know Plankton for making plans to steal the Krabby Patty.

Like in season 7, The Great Patty Capper, where he almost got away too.

So maybe it really was a scheme that played out perfectly.

#3: The Patrick angle

Most people suspect it was either Plankton or SpongeBob.

However, I’ve noticed most of us are forgetting the Patrick angle.

You see, the starfish met with Mr. Krabs before his death.

He even opened the door for Patrick and told him the restaurant was going out of business. 

But could the idiotic, well-meaning friend of SpongeBob actually do it?

Sadly, it’s possible.

Patrick might act like he has a few loose screws in his head…

However, it could just all be an act.

For example, in season 9, The Executive Treatment.

Patrick successfully fools a room full of businessfish that he belongs there.

Also, in Squidtastic Voyage, he knows perfectly well how to man the submarine. 

As a result, the starfish is a lot smarter than people realize…

What are his motives?

Unfortunately, he’s not scot-free of motives either.

Patrick’s no stranger to going crazy when things don’t go his way.

For instance, in season 1, Valentine’s Day.

The starfish destroys the carnival. 

Just because he only receives a friendly handshake as a gift.

So imagine what Patrick would do after learning about Krusty Krab going out of business?

Where else would he get his Krabby Patties from?

“But why aren’t there any traces of Patrick at the crime scene?”

You see, the starfish has many abilities.

In Karate Star, Patrick can chop a complete boat in half.

And in The Secret Box, he can seemingly teleport or move at very fast speeds.

So Patrick could’ve easily cut Mr. Krabs’ throat with his bare hands.

Also, quickly escaping the scene via teleportation powers.

In fact, Patrick becomes more psychopath than starfish.

His actions perfectly match a study on criminals.

#4: Squidward’s plan

The octopus cash register might hate his job.

But he couldn’t possibly take out his anger by killing his boss, right?

Sadly, I wouldn’t put it past Squidward.

He’s never been a good friend or employee.

For example, in season 12, Pineapple RV

He leaves SpongeBob and Patrick behind.

Of course, he eventually comes back for them…

But this shows he can be mean-spirited.

According to Squidward’s testimony, he heard Mr. Krabs scream.

And who do you think found the crab’s dead body?

Nobody else other than our octopus friend.

“But how would Squidward even do it?”

A lot of people forget that the octopus is an artist.

So it’s not impossible for him to fake the crime scene.

And with his 6 tentacles, Squidward could easily win a fight.

Plus, being a lot smarter than SpongeBob…

He could’ve retold the story that would push the blame on the sea sponge.

#5: Maybe he’s not dead

While it might sound like a stretch…

I have reason to believe that Mr. Krabs could still be alive.

You see, the crimson sea crab loves money so much.

In fact, watching this video should be proof enough:

And if he can sell SpongeBob for 62 cents…

He might even fake his death to save himself from bankruptcy. 

“Then how would you explain the body?”

Well, Mr. Krabs can actually take off his shell. 

For example, in season 4, Shell of A Man.

We can see him walking around naked in the flesh.

As a result, Mr. Krabs could’ve planned his death to look like a murder.

And while I’m not too sure how Bikini Bottom insurance policies work…

Mr. Krabs might be out there still chasing after money. 


How did Mr Krabs die?


Mr. Krabs died by bleeding to death. A metal spatula was used to cut his throat wide open. The report also shows he suffered from the blunt force at the back of his head. And his body was found lifeless in a pool of blood.

He bled to death

The coroner concludes that Mr. Krabs’ throat was cut open with a metal spatula.

As a result, blood burst from his neck.

Covering the restaurant with blood…

And mixing with the cooking grease.

According to the report, there were no signs of a break-in.

Cash was also missing and the Krabby Patty formula was nowhere to be found.

So the culprit was someone with access to the Krusty Krab…

And a person with a reason to steal cash and the secret recipe. 

A hit to the back of his head

While most focus on the fact he bled to death…

There’s reason to believe that Mr. Krabs died much earlier.

Specifically from a hit to the back of his head.

According to research, these injuries are the 6th leading cause of death worldwide.

And the pool of blood might just be there to throw off the investigation. 

Of course, there’s nothing conclusive enough to point fingers.

However, we can’t deny its possibility. 

For example, in season 11, Squid Noir.

Squidward has to become a hard-boiled detective to find his clarinet.

So it might be the case of putting the puzzle pieces together.


What episode did Krabs die?


Mr. Krabs didn’t die in an episode. The story of his death that went viral came from a teacher’s student activity. It was used to teach students how to organize the evidence and argue persuasively. 

The trial of SpongeBob Squarepants

Although the story is very intriguing…

Rest assured that Mr. Krabs is not dead.

The plot is from The trial of SpongeBob Squarepants.

A group assignment from Leon County Schools in Tallahassee, Florida.

And made by one of their playful and witty teachers. 

However, little did they know it would go viral.

As a result, it’s become a popular conspiracy theory among SpongeBob fans.

If you ask me, I think the story is very real. 

And somewhere in the Bikini Bottom timeline…

SpongeBob Squarepants’ sitting in court.