Singular Murder Trial in Paris.

Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 124, 29 May 1886, Page 5

Singular Murder Trial in Paris.

The investigation of a singular case of murder has been commenced in Paris. About three years ago one Euphrasio Mercier quietly assumed possession of the house and property of her n istrese, Mdlle. Klodie Menetret, who, she said, had gone abroad and left her in position. Mercier then bad prepared a document of 1,800 francs a-year for mistress had let her house to her, and a receipt stating that 4,2oo,francs had been paid for the furniture and one year's rent in advance. She at the same time contrived to sell her mistress's silver and dresees imd to draw her dividends. She realised in this way 40,000 francs which she invested in other securities. Bhe was engaged in improving the property at Villemonble when »he received a visit from an illegitimate son of her siater named Alphones Chateauneuf. He suspected her story, and his suspicions were confirmed by papers he found in a drawer which he examined in his aunt's absence. He suggastad that his aunt should pay him 25,000 francs, bnt she remained deaf to his proposal. He then returned to Brussels, where he sent an account of his discoveries to the police in Paris. An examinatian wan made of the garden, and tbe charred remains of a woman were found buried in it. Amongst them was one false tooth and a small fragment of gold with which another tooth had been stopped. The books of the dentist of Menetret were then examined, and it was found that in 1857 she had a false tooth, that in 1871 one of her decayed teeth had been stopped with gold. In the room of the house occupied by her, the fireplace showed traces that it had been used for burning a large quantity of animal matter. Kuphraaie Mercier waa then taken into custody. She denied that she had any connection with the disappearance of her mistress, who, she says, is etill alive, but whose address she cannot give. Chateauneuf is to be examined for the defence, and will recieve a safe conduct permitting him.although a deserter, to come te France.