Monique Olivier, the widow of notorious French serial killer Michel Fourniret, is set to face trial for her alleged involvement in three murders dating back several decades. The victims include Marie-Angele Domece, Joanna Parrish, and Estelle Mouzin. Olivier is charged with aiding and abetting the kidnapping and murder of the girls. Fourniret, who was charged with abduction, rape, and murder in the cases, died in 2021 before he could face trial.
Fourniret, known as the 'Ogre of the Ardennes', was jailed for life in 2008 for the murder of seven young women and girls. He later confessed to killing two more young women and a nine-year-old girl. Olivier, who is currently serving a life sentence for her role in five of Fourniret's murders, was arrested in Belgium in 2003 after an abducted 17-year-old girl escaped from their car.
The trial of Olivier is expected to highlight an intelligence failure in 1989-1990, when police officers followed the couple as part of an anti-terrorist probe that was never followed up. Lawyers for the civil plaintiffs are expected to highlight this point during the trial. However, Olivier's lawyer, Richard Delgenes, has stated that the court should not expect any revelations on her part.
The trial is being closely watched by the families of the victims, including Roger Parrish, father of British student Joanna Parrish who was murdered in France in 1990. He is awaiting justice as the accomplice of serial killer Michel Fourniret goes on trial.