Marc Dutroux

Between 1995 and 1996, Marc Dutroux kidnapped and sexually abused several girls, holding some in a hidden dungeon beneath his home in Charleroi, Belgium. Two eight-year-old victims, Julie Lejeune and Melissa Russo, died of starvation while Dutroux was briefly jailed on unrelated charges and failed to arrange their care; two teenage victims, An Marchal and Eefje Lambrecks, were killed and buried.

Investigative failures

Police had searched Dutroux's house during the investigation and reportedly heard children's cries, but did not act on it. The case's mishandling caused a national scandal in Belgium, leading to a massive public demonstration and a parliamentary inquiry into police and judicial failures.

Trial

Dutroux was convicted in 2004 of kidnapping, rape, and murder, and sentenced to life imprisonment. His ex-wife and an accomplice were also convicted for their roles.

Current status

Dutroux remains imprisoned in Belgium. His ex-wife, Michelle Martin, was released in 2012 after serving part of her sentence.