A homeowner has returned to her property after a three-month absence to find a deeply disturbing scene, involving the alleged mutilation and burning of her two beloved cats. The incident occurred in the picturesque Provencal village of Carqueiranne.
Devastating Discovery Upon Return
The homeowner, identified as Marie, recounted her harrowing experience after entrusting a portion of her residence to an Airbnb guest. Upon her return, she discovered her apartment had been vandalized, with several items appearing to be stolen. More tragically, her two cats, who had lived with her and had free access to the garden, were missing.
“It’s so terrible and shocking,” Marie stated. “I lived alone with my cats; they were my family.”
Marie explained that her parents own a villa in Carqueiranne, which is divided into three apartments. She occupied the garden-level unit and had been away for an extended period. She had arranged for an Airbnb tenant to care for her cats in exchange for a reduced rental rate.
Investigation Uncovers Grim Evidence
Initially, Marie filed a police report citing theft, vandalism, and missing animals. However, the situation escalated when she discovered bones mixed with ashes in a fire pit in the garden, a fire reportedly lit by her tenant.
Further examination of the debris revealed what appeared to be animal bones. “A veterinarian confirmed that they were indeed cat bones. I was in shock,” she said.
According to the veterinarian’s report, the charred remains indicated that the animal had been dismembered before being placed in the fire. Marie also found several glass jars containing cat fur during her search.
Witness Accounts and Suspect’s Status
Adding to the distress, a neighbor had previously alerted authorities to a suspicious fire on the property. Another local resident reported seeing a dead tabby cat, described as being “cut clean in two, without any trace of blood,” a description that eerily matched one of Marie’s missing pets.
Reports indicate that Marie was recently contacted by police regarding the former tenant. The man was reportedly taken into custody, but the case was later dropped. He is said to have undergone a psychiatric evaluation, which determined he was not criminally responsible. The individual is currently receiving treatment in a hospital.
