Contrary to popular belief, these women are often balanced, educated people who come from a wealthy background. After hearing about these madmen on television or in the written press, a love story begins for them through epistolary exchanges that can last for months or years.
But what drives these women without any criminal record to become fascinated, even obsessed, by these serial killers? Like Sondra London for Danny Rolling alias “the ripper of Gainesville” in the United States, or in France with Béatrice Poissant who married Dany Leprince. From fiery exchanges of letters to marriage, many women around the world are affected by this phenomenon.
Everyone knows the most diabolical couple in France: the Fournirets. From 1987 to 2003, Monique Olivier, companion of Michel Fourniret will follow him in his murderous follies. She falls in love with him while he is in prison after several exchanges of letters. 30 years later, she will pose as a victim in court. In January 2020, to sow doubt and look good, she reveals that Michel Fourniret is the author of the murder of Estelle Mouzin and denies the alibi of her ex-husband in the case of the girl’s disappearance, disappeared in 2003, at the age of 9. Since March 2, a documentary series “The Fourniret Affair: inside the mind of Monique Olivier” is available on netflix.
These women often feel alone
A great affective loneliness is one of the causes of this phenomenon. The prisoner’s lack of freedom reassures them, they feel a power over the criminal. Some have a pathological disorder, disappointed in love, they will find a feeling of control and mastery of the situation over the prisoner.
The desire to be “the lucky one” among all the letters received attracts more than one, despite the madness and the danger of the relationship.
The nurse syndrome
They think they can change and save these criminals by getting together. According to them, redemption is possible. They are capable of a lot of patience and are ready to do anything for their love.
Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome
Some women see them as bad boys, virile men. It’s a way for them to feel special and to “rebel” to live a life full of adventures… Physically and sexually attracted to these “bad boys”, they are turned on by these dangerous profiles.
Films, series and media coverage
As in music with clips trivializing crimes and offences, films and series “starify” many criminals, some begin to fantasize about them. Media coverage plays a role in trivializing the atrocities committed by these psychopaths.
Adored and “sexy” actors play the role of murderer. For example, Zac Efron was cast as the psychopath Ted Bundy. Be careful not to mix fiction and reality…
For further…
The (mad) love for a criminal, Isabelle Horlan, published by Cherche Midi.
Jeanette Atme Daou