Serial Killer from the Land of Lovers-Part 2

Blue Beard: Serial Killer from the Land of Lover - Part 2

   Now the question is, Who was this Henri Desire Landru, who entrapped such a large number of women in his love trap? The story if this heartless murderer of France is a tale of a cheat and a clever common man who made his living by grabbing the money and property of his victims. His modus operandi was also very unique as revealed during his trail. His case opened on December 7, 1921, in the Court of Assizes in ”the Palais de Jusice” at Versailles.

   A large crowd gathered before the court to have a glimpse of the man who was charged with having relations with 283 women and murdering ten of them. After seducing them, he persuaded them to hand over their money and property for, as he gave out, safe keeping and investment. On a table were exhibited charred clothing and bones. Henry Desire Landru was a tall bearded man of 52 years. Landru used the unique method of matrimonial advertisement for getting in touch with his victims.

   Now the question is, Who was this Henri Desire Landru, who entrapped such a large number of women in his love trap? The story if this heartless murderer of France is a tale of a cheat and a clever common man who made his living by grabbing the money and property of his victims. His modus operandi was also very unique as revealed during his trail. His case opened on December 7, 1921, in the Court of Assizes in ”the Palais de Jusice” at Versailles.

   A large crowd gathered before the court to have a glimpse of the man who was charged with having relations with 283 women and murdering ten of them. After seducing them, he persuaded them to hand over their money and property for, as he gave out, safe keeping and investment. On a table were exhibited charred clothing and bones. Henry Desire Landru was a tall bearded man of 52 years. Landru used the unique method of matrimonial advertisement for getting in touch with his victims.

   Henri Desire Landru kept meticulous account of his expenses in the note book seized by the police. He also kept classified information regarding replies received in response to his matrimonial advertisements. He entered the names of the women who replied to his advertisements under different heads according to their financial status, children and other relevant information. Besides the names of Mrs. Buisson, Mrs. Anna Colomb, Mrs. Cruchet and her 18 years old son, the notebook contained seven more names of women whom Landru knew and who disappeared under mysterious circumstances. They were Mrs. Therese Laborde Line, aged 47; Mrs. Desiree Guillin, a widow aged 59, whose 22,000 francs were appropriated by Landru with a forged signature; 19 years old servant girl, Andree Babelay; Louise Jaume, aged 38, whose money and furniture was taken away by Laundru after he had taken her to Gambais; Annie-Marie Pascal, a divorcee aged 33, whose furniture and belongings were found in Landru’s garage; and Marie-Therese Marchadier who went to live with Landru at Gambais after selling her furniture.

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