Henri Désiré Landru, French serial killer (b. 1869)

Henri Désiré Landru (12 April 1869 – 25 February 1922), a name that would become synonymous with chilling deception and calculated murder in early 20th-century France, was a French serial killer infamously known as the "Bluebeard of Gambais." His surname, pronounced [ɑ̃ʁi deziʁe lɑ̃dʁy] in French, echoed through the headlines as the nation grappled with the atrocities he committed, particularly during the tumultuous years of the First World War. Landru’s modus operandi involved luring lonely women, often widows or single women with savings, into relationships with promises of marriage, only to then steal their assets and brutally murder them, disposing of their remains without a trace.

The Web of Deception: Early Crimes in Vernouillet

Before his more widely publicized crimes in Gambais, Landru began his murderous spree in Vernouillet, a town approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Paris. From December 1914 to August 1915, he rented a house where he is believed to have claimed the lives of at least three women, along with a young man. These initial victims vanished without a trace, their fates shrouded in mystery, marking the sinister beginnings of a pattern that would shock France. The true extent of Landru's victim count, considering the complete absence of physical remains for any of his victims, was almost certainly higher than the confirmed cases, leaving a lasting shadow of uncertainty.

The Bluebeard of Gambais: A Reign of Terror

It was in the tranquil village of Gambais, between December 1915 and January 1919, that Landru earned his grim nickname. Here, he meticulously murdered at least seven women, each a tragic victim of his elaborate charades. Operating under various aliases, Landru placed discreet advertisements in newspapers, seeking companions and offering the prospect of a new life to women isolated by the war or circumstance. He presented himself as a respectable, eligible bachelor, luring them to his secluded Gambais villa where their lives would tragically end. The disappearance of so many women from different social strata eventually raised suspicions, but Landru’s cunning ability to cover his tracks made him incredibly difficult to apprehend.

Arrest and the Unveiling of a Monster

The elaborate facade of Henri Désiré Landru finally crumbled on 12 April 1919, coincidentally his 50th birthday. He was arrested in an apartment near Paris's bustling Gare du Nord, where he was living with his 24-year-old mistress, Fernande Segret, who seemingly had no knowledge of his horrific double life. The ensuing police investigation painted a chilling picture: Landru had met or corresponded romantically with an astonishing 283 women during the First World War, an era when many men were away at the front, leaving women particularly vulnerable. A staggering 72 of these women were never accounted for, further cementing the belief that his victim count was far higher than initially proven.

The investigation also briefly ensnared his family. In December 1919, Landru's 51-year-old wife, Marie-Catherine, and his 25-year-old eldest son, Maurice, were arrested under suspicion of complicity in the thefts from his victims. Both vehemently denied any knowledge of Landru’s monstrous criminal activities. Marie-Catherine was eventually released without charge in July 1920 due to health concerns, and on the very same day, Maurice too walked free, as the authorities lacked sufficient evidence to establish his guilt.

Trial in Versailles and Execution by Guillotine

Despite the mounting evidence, Landru stoically maintained his complete innocence throughout an investigation that stretched over more than a year. He was eventually charged with the murders of ten women and the teenage son of his very first victim, crimes committed across Vernouillet and Gambais. His highly anticipated trial commenced in November 1921 in Versailles, drawing immense public and media attention. The courtroom became a spectacle, attended by leading French celebrities of the era, including the celebrated novelist Colette and the acclaimed actor and singer Maurice Chevalier, all captivated by the unfolding drama of the "Bluebeard" case. On 30 November, after intense deliberations, Landru was found guilty by a majority verdict on all eleven murder counts and was subsequently sentenced to death. The sentence was carried out by guillotine on 25 February 1922, bringing a definitive end to the chilling saga of Henri Désiré Landru, a man whose calculated brutality left an indelible mark on French criminal history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Henri Désiré Landru

Who was Henri Désiré Landru?
Henri Désiré Landru was a notorious French serial killer active during World War I, known for luring women into relationships, stealing their assets, and then murdering them without leaving any remains.
What was his famous nickname?
He was widely known as the "Bluebeard of Gambais," referencing the classic French folktale character who murdered his wives.
How many victims was Landru convicted of murdering?
Landru was convicted of 11 murders: ten women and the teenage son of his first victim. However, investigators believed the true number of his victims was significantly higher, with 72 women he corresponded with remaining untraced.
When and where was he arrested?
Landru was arrested on 12 April 1919 near Paris's Gare du Nord, an apartment he shared with his mistress.
When and how was Henri Désiré Landru executed?
He was executed by guillotine on 25 February 1922, following his conviction at the Versailles trial.