Henri Désiré Landru, known as the “Bluebeard of Gambais” or “The Poisoner.” Landru was a notorious French serial killer who targeted women during World War I.
Early Life
Henri Désiré Landru was born on April 12, 1869, in Paris, France. Raised in a working-class family, he showed intelligence and charm from a young age. He married in 1893 and had four children but began engaging in fraud and other criminal activities early in his adult life.
Criminal Career
Landru’s most notorious criminal acts began around 1914, coinciding with the start of World War I. Using personal ads in local newspapers, he lured widows and divorcees with the promise of marriage and financial stability.
Posing as a wealthy widower himself, he would win their trust, gain access to their financial assets, and then murder them, often through poisoning. His victims’ disappearances were slow to arouse suspicion, as many assumed that they had simply relocated due to the turbulent wartime conditions.
Investigation and Trial
Landru’s arrest came in 1919 when the sister of one of his victims hired a private investigator to find her missing sibling. The subsequent police investigation uncovered a trail of missing women, all connected to Landru.
During his trial, Landru maintained his innocence, and his smooth-talking and calm demeanor attracted public attention. Despite the lack of bodies, enough evidence was found in Landru’s residence, including personal belongings of his victims and detailed notebooks documenting his crimes.
Conviction and Execution
In November 1921, Landru was found guilty of 11 counts of murder, though the true number of victims is believed to be higher. He was sentenced to death and executed by guillotine on February 25, 1922.
Legacy
Henri Désiré Landru’s crimes continue to intrigue and horrify. His story has been the subject of numerous books, films, and documentaries. Landru’s manipulative charm and cold-blooded approach to his victims have made him a symbol of the dark potential that can lie beneath a facade of respectability. His case also highlights the vulnerability of women during a time of societal upheaval and the ability of a cunning predator to exploit that vulnerability.
Henri Désiré Landru, the Poisoner, stands as one of history’s most infamous criminals. His tale is a chilling reminder that danger can lurk where it’s least expected, hidden behind a smile and eloquent words. His case also illustrates the importance of diligence and persistence in criminal investigations, leading to justice even in the absence of physical evidence. His story continues to resonate, reflecting universal themes of trust, betrayal, and the human capacity for evil.