Christine Malèvre was born on 10 January 1970 in France. She pursued a career in nursing, fulfilling her aspiration to care for others. Malèvre secured a position at the François Quesnay Hospital in Mantes-la-Jolie, a suburb of Paris, where she worked in the neuro-pulmonology department. Colleagues noted her dedication and commitment to patient care. However, some observed an unusual number of patient deaths during her shifts, leading to her being nicknamed "The Black Widow."

Between February 1997 and May 1998, a series of patient deaths occurred at François Quesnay Hospital. Many of these patients were terminally ill and under Malèvre's care. In July 1998, hospital administrators grew suspicious of the high mortality rate during her shifts and reported their concerns to authorities.

Upon investigation, Malèvre was arrested and initially confessed to assisting approximately 30 patients in ending their lives, claiming acts of compassion in response to their suffering. However, she later recanted many of these confessions, stating they were made under duress. Families of several deceased patients contested her claims, asserting that their loved ones had not expressed a desire to die.

Malèvre's trial commenced on 20 January 2003 in Versailles. She faced charges for the murders of seven patients. During the proceedings, she admitted to administering lethal doses to four patients but denied involvement in the other deaths. Prosecutors argued that her actions stemmed from a morbid fascination with death rather than altruistic motives.

After deliberation, the court convicted Malèvre of six murders and sentenced her to 10 years in prison. She was also permanently banned from practicing nursing. Malèvre appealed the verdict, but the appellate court increased her sentence to 12 years. She was released after serving approximately four years.