GRUESOME EVIDENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26113, 28 March 1946, Page 8

GRUESOME EVIDENCE

FRENCH MURDER CASE SUGGESTION OF INSANITY , PARIS, Mar. 26. Giving what is described as some of the most gruesome evidence ever heard in the French Assizes, the famous medico-legal expert, Dr Albert Paul, told the court at Dr Petiot s trial that remains found in a stove at Petiot’s house had been obviously dissected by skilled and unerring hands which found the same spot in each body to sever the spine and the limbs. The scalp was then removed with _ a circular incision made in order to lift off the entire facial mask. The longer parts were broken off to fit into the furnace by wrenching them between the cellar door and its frame. Dr Paul said he had been unable to ascertain the time of the deaths, but he was sure that poisoning or gas caused them. He added: “ Six dismembered bodies found in the Seine during two years before the discovery in Petiot’s house disturbed me because they appeared to have been expertly dissected.”

Petiot’s counsel said, "Petiot never studied dissection.” Dr Paul replied: "Petiot must have studied anatomy to obtain his medical degree.” .Professor Jean Perrin, a leading French psychiatrist, described Petiot as “a man with a remarkable brain and brilliant intelligence, who is fully responsible for his actions.” Another psychiatrist, Professor Paul Gourriou, said: “I do not think Petiot is a 'monster or a madman, but he has always tried to pose as insane when he has been in trouble.” Professor Gourriou said it was amazing that Petiot had obtained his medical degree without formal study. He had often been detained for mental disorders, but always at his own request.