The Murder Investigation and Justice

The legal and social response to the serial murders in Grasse.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Initial Investigation

Initial Investigation First Body A girl was found in a rose field. The police lieutenant began an inquiry. Lack of Clues No witnesses, no motive. Suspicions fell on gypsies, Italians, and others. Public Pressure The town demanded action, but the investigation stalled.

Escalation and Panic

Escalation and Panic More Murders As the body count rose, fear gripped the town. The police lieutenant was replaced. Curfew and Patrols Women were confined at night. Patrols were organized. Bishop's Intervention The bishop excommunicated the murderer, but the killings stopped only temporarily.

Arrest of Grenouille

Arrest of Grenouille Identification A guard recognized Grenouille from the day of Richis's departure. He was arrested. Evidence Found The victims' clothes and hair were discovered in his cabin. Confession Grenouille confessed but gave no motive. The case seemed solved.

Trial and Sentence

Trial and Sentence Swift Justice The trial moved quickly. Grenouille was sentenced to be broken on the wheel. Torture Failed Torture could not extract a motive. He remained silent. Public Demand The crowd wanted blood. The execution was prepared.

Collapse of Justice

Collapse of Justice The Orgy The execution turned into a mass orgy. The authorities lost control. Scapegoating Druot was executed in Grenouille's place. The case was closed. Collective Amnesia The town forgot the events. Justice was a farce.

May 1765

June - September 1765

late March 1766

April 1766

15 April 1766