The Killer of Little Shepherds

by Douglas Starr

  Austrian criminologist Hans Gross introduced and advocated many modern techniques, including interviews based on persuasion rather than torture.

  Investigative magistrate Émile Fourquet first saw a pattern in Vacher’s killing spree and played a key role in bringing him to justice.

  Tabloid coverage of Vacher’s killing spree: CRIMES OF A MONOMANIAC

  Vacher’s confession: “To France: So much the worse for you if you think I am responsible,” meaning responsible for his actions. The confession begins with his trademark epigram: “DIEU—DROITS—DEVOIRS” (“GOD—RIGHTS—OBLIGATIONS”).

  Vacher’s portrait at Belley prison. He insisted on posing with a white rabbit-fur hat (a symbol of purity) and keys (to unlock the gates of heaven). He borrowed the keys from a prison guard.

  THE WAKING OF VACHER Tabloid depiction of officials preparing Vacher for the guillotine

  Vacher’s severed head and the postmortem diagram of his brain. After his execution, Vacher’s brain, divided up and dissected by several anatomists, became the focus of a heated debate over whether it showed signs of insanity.