The Unspeakable Crimes of Dr. Petiot (38 page)

For the first time in my life I saw a man leaving death row, if not dancing, at least showing perfect calm. Most people about to be executed do their best to be courageous, but one senses that it is a stiff and forced courage. Petiot moved with ease, as though he were walking into his office for a routine appointment.

Petiot smiled sardonically at Desfourneaux, and before the executioner lashed his feet together and strapped him to the tilting table, the prisoner turned to Floriot and the assembled witnesses. “Gentlemen,” Petiot said, “I ask you not to look. This will not be very pretty.”

The blade fell at 5:05
A.M.
It is rumored that one court official had concealed a camera beneath his robes and took a photograph at the instant Petiot's head left his shoulders.

Petiot was smiling.

*
Dr. Paul had been summoned to revive Laval, but had refused on grounds that it was inhumane. Laval had been tied to a stake and shot in a semicomatose state.

Image Gallery

Police Judicaire mug shot of Petiot soon after his arrest (Photo courtesy Archives de la Ville de Paris).

“Maître, my friend, if anyone publishes something on my case after my death, ask them to include photographs of the people I have been accused of killing. Then, perhaps, one day they will be found, and my innocence can be proved.” —Dr. Marcel Petiot

(Photos of victims courtesy Archives de la Ville de Paris)

Jean-Marc Van Bever

Marthe Khaït

Joachim Guschinov

Joseph “Jo le Boxeur” Réocreux

Claudia “Lulu” Chamoux

Annette “la Poute” Basset

Adrien “le Basque” Estébétéguy

Gisèle Rossmy

Joséphine Grippay “Paulette la Chinoise”

Joseph “Zé” Piereschi