Patrick Henry (French criminal)

Patrick Henry is a French criminal, born on March 31 1953 in Troyes (France).

The kidnapping of young Philippe Bertrand

On January 30, 1976, in Troyes, at about 12:30, Patrick Henry kidnapped 8 year old Philippe Bertrand when he was leaving school. Very soon, he requested a ransom of 1 million French Francs from the child's parents, Gérald and Marie-Françoise Bertrand. He then soon strangled the little boy, but did not advertise this fact and continued to expect the payment.

Related Topics:
January 30 - 1976 - Troyes - Patrick Henry - Kidnap - Ransom - French Franc - Strangled

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The kidnapping had provoked considerable emotion in France, where television allowed the public to follow the parents' anguish and their repeated calls to the kidnappers during the 18-day police enquiry. Patrick Henry was detained by the police for 47 hours (the legal limit was 48 hours before formally putting Henry under criminal investigation). After being released, he made multiple media appearances, in which he claimed he had nothing to do with the kidnapping and he wished the kidnappers would be given the death penalty. He was arrested again on 17 February, 1976 and the child's dead body was discovered hidden under the bed of a room that he rented.

Related Topics:
Emotion - France - Television - Police - Death penalty - 17 February - 1976

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