Tragic Discovery After Three-Month Rental

A property owner returning to her home after a three-month absence made a devastating discovery, finding her two beloved cats brutally dismembered and burned. The homeowner, identified as Marie, recounted the horrifying events that transpired at her residence in the picturesque Provencal village of Carqueiranne.

A Family Lost

Marie, who lived alone with her cats, described them as her family. Her parents own a villa in Carqueiranne, which is divided into three apartments. Marie occupied the garden-level unit and shared her life with her two cats, who had free access to the expansive garden.

Planning an extended trip, Marie rented out one of the apartments through a short-term rental platform. The agreement stipulated that the tenant would be responsible for feeding her cats during her absence. A man in his thirties accepted the offer, and Marie entrusted him with the care of her pets and the property.

A Vandalized Home and Missing Pets

Upon her return, Marie found her apartment had been vandalized, with many items appearing to be stolen. The most heartbreaking discovery was the absence of her two cats. She immediately filed a police report for theft, vandalism, and missing animals.

Grim Evidence Uncovered

The situation took a more horrific turn when Marie discovered bones amidst the ashes of a fire lit by her tenant in the garden. Sorting through the debris, she found a pile of ashes containing what appeared to be animal bones. A subsequent veterinary examination confirmed that the bones belonged to cats.

“I was in shock,” Marie stated. The veterinarian’s report concluded that the charred animal had been dismembered before being placed in the fire. Further adding to the disturbing findings, Marie uncovered several glass jars containing cat fur.

Witness Accounts and Police Involvement

Before Marie’s discovery, a neighbor had reportedly alerted the police to a suspicious fire on the premises. Another local resident recalled seeing “a dead tabby cat, cut clean in two, without any trace of blood” just a few weeks prior, a description eerily similar to one of Marie’s missing pets.

Suspect’s Status

Approximately two weeks ago, Marie received an update from the Hyères police station. Her former tenant had been taken into custody, though the case was later dropped. Reports indicate the suspect underwent a psychiatric evaluation, which determined he was not criminally responsible for his actions. He is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.