Burglary Attempt Turns Deadly
In February 2023, Philippe Schneider, 69, and his partner Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, pizza makers in the small village of Brasc in southern France, attempted to rob their neighbor Georges Meichler, 57.
According to prosecutors and Schneider’s confession, the pair intended to steal money and cannabis that Meichler grew at his remote home.
Schneider said they tied and gagged Meichler during the robbery. However, when they returned from searching the house, they found him dead, likely from suffocation.
Dismemberment and Cooking of the Body
After discovering Meichler’s death, they used a butcher’s knife to dismember the body in an attempt to conceal his death, The Sun reports.
According to Le Figaro, the remains were partially burned in Meichler’s wood stove and garden, and parts of his body were hidden across the regions of South France.
Schneider also reportedly cooked parts of the body in a pot of vegetables, claiming it was part of a ritual he had learned from his travels in Nepal.
Several body parts were hidden around Meichler’s home and inside his van, and also near the alleged killer’s house.
Unusual Message Sparks Investigation
The case came to light after Meichler’s daughter received an uncharacteristic text message from his phone, which was unlike his usual communication style.
Additionally, his ex-partner raised concerns as she had not heard from him.
Concerned, a missing persons report was filed, prompting police to launch an investigation.
Police Trace Van and Suspects
Neighbors reported seeing two people using Meichler’s van.
Police then tracked the van and the suspects’ phone activity, ultimately locating the vehicle parked near a council building in Camarès, about 24 miles from Brasc.
Arrest and Confession
On February 10, 2023, Schneider and Caboubassy were arrested in Camarès, France, while using the stolen van.
Inside, police discovered bags of human remains and blood.
Following their arrest, Schneider made a detailed confession, admitting to the killing and describing the disposal of the body.
Third Suspect: The Gravedigger
A third individual, a 25-year-old gravedigger, is also on trial.
He reportedly told investigators that Schneider ordered him to cook the flesh and to tell anyone who asked that it was just “dog food.”
They are now facing trial in Aveyron, France.
Charges for Suspects
- Philippe Schneider is charged with kidnapping resulting in death, concealment of a corpse, and violating the integrity of a body.
- Nathalie Caboubassy and the gravedigger are charged with complicity, though Caboubassy continues to deny involvement.
The court is set to deliver its verdict soon.
Featured photos via Daily Mail, NY Post, and iStock.
More from Wake Up Singapore:-
Former Miss Switzerland Finalist Strangled and Turned into “Puree” by Husband
Dismembered Woman’s Body Found in Suitcase on Chennai Road, Neighbor Detained
Former Soldier in India Allegedly Kills Wife, Cooks Body Parts, and Dumps Them in Lake
If you have a story or a tip-off, email admin@wakeup.sg or get in touch via Whatsapp at 8882 5913.
Since you have made it to the end of the article, follow Wake Up Singapore on Telegram!
Wake Up Singapore is a volunteer-run site that covers alternative views in Singapore. If you want to volunteer with us, sign up here!
If you can, please do consider buying a mug or two to support Wake Up Singapore’s work!
