Bio

Bernard Pesquet was born on March 18, 1922 in France. He grew up during a time of great change and conflict. France was occupied by Germany during World War II. When he was 19 years old, Bernard became involved in a serious crime. In 1941, he was convicted of murdering his best friend, Julien Quivel. Bernard admitted that he hit Julien over the head with an iron bar. He claimed that Julien was a German informant and he killed him to protect his country. However, the authorities did not believe his story. They believed that robbery was his real motive. As a result, he was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison.

Bernard spent 21 years in prison. After serving his sentence, he was released from prison in 1961. He moved to Pierrelaye, a suburb of Paris. The people in Pierrelaye saw him as somewhat of a celebrity. He started a painting and decorating business that became successful. The local community respected him, and he was even a member of the chamber of commerce.

In 1968, Bernard married Christiane Ruaux. They seemed to have a happy marriage for a time. However, things changed when Christiane disappeared on November 24, 1974. She took many valuable items from their home, including Bernard’s suits. This situation became a topic of conversation in the town.

Murder Story

In 1941, Bernard Pesquet killed his best friend, Julien Quivel, during the German occupation of France. He admitted to striking Julien with an iron bar, claiming that he was a German informant. The court did not accept this defense and found him guilty of robbery as the motive. Bernard received a life sentence and served 21 years before being released.

After his release, Bernard moved to Pierrelaye, a Paris suburb. He started a successful painting and decorating business and became well-liked in the community. In 1968, he married Christiane Ruaux. Their marriage seemed happy until November 24, 1974, when Christiane disappeared, taking valuable belongings with her.

On April 30, 1976, local real estate agent Henri Francqui mysteriously vanished without a trace. Following this, Emile and Elizia Bergaud, a wealthy couple, along with their maid, Alfia Borgioni, were found dead in their apartment. The investigation revealed signs of robbery, including a hidden safe that had been broken into.

Detectives noted that all the victims had been shot with a .38 caliber revolver, but there was evidence suggesting the killer was inexperienced. Even though no valuables had been taken from Francqui's home, police began to suspect Bernard when they analyzed the crime scenes.

After questioning Bernard, police found crucial evidence at his home, including coins and an American Express card belonging to Emile Bergaud. Bernard made excuses, claiming he was being targeted due to his past. Yet, a search of his property continued and led to the discovery of gold bars and jewelry taken from the Bergaud home.

When detectives decided to dig in Bernard's yard and basement, they uncovered the bodies of Christiane and Henri Francqui. Both had been shot with the same gun used in the Bergaud murders. Bernard then changed his story, saying that an argument over money led to the accidental shooting of Christiane, and he claimed self-defense in the case of Francqui. However, the forensic evidence contradicted his account.

On October 8, 1982, Bernard Pesquet was convicted of five counts of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment. After serving 33 years in prison, Bernard Pesquet died in Prison on May 10, 2009, at 87.