Almost Perfect Crimes: The Butcher of La Chapelle

This series investigates the most notorious, infamous and terrifying crimes in French history. Cases that – in may cases – inspired films and novels. Join Danielle Thiéry, the first female chief superintendent, on a journey to the dark side of human nature.

In September 1879, cut-up pieces of a human body were found scattered in the La Chapelle area of Paris. A laundrywoman who had seen a man throw out one of the bags containing human remains recognized him: he was a neighbourhood police constable. Although at first he wasn’t convinced, superintendent Lefébure questioned the PC in question who would soon admit his heinous crime.

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