Joanna Parrish, a British student, tragically lost her life at the hands of the notorious serial killer Michel Fourniret. That was an incident from 1990. Now, it is the end of 2023. For 33 long years, the case has been going on, with no deadline reached. In such cases, things can become frustrating for the involved parties, especially for the family of the victim.
However, recently, the ice has been broken, as the court of law has finally come out with a judgment for the case. Well, justice has arrived, though late. However, the details of the justice and its nature will be enough to shock you. If you wish to know more in this regard, then you should go through this article in detail.
Who Was Joanna Parrish?
Joanna Marie Parrish, born on July 30, 1969, in the Gloucestershire village of Newnham on Severn, pursued her education at Ribston Hall High School and later at the University of Leeds. Undertaking a four-year French degree, she engaged in a sandwich course with a mandatory work placement during the third year.
While in Auxerre, Parrish supplemented her income by advertising English teaching services. Despite arranging to meet a potential student outside the Banque Populaire on May 16, 1990, at 7:00 p.m., she did not return home after the appointment.
Who Murdered Joanna Parrish?
The 20-year-old British student who fell victim to French serial killer Michel Fourniret in 1990 was studying in France and working as a language tutor. Monique Olivier, Fourniret’s ex-wife, was convicted of complicity in Joanna’s murder and two other cases. Joanna, who had advertised English lessons, became a target as Olivier assisted Fourniret in luring victims into their vehicle, often using their son for reassurance.
Fourniret, infamously known as the “Ogre of the Ardennes,” faced convictions in 2008 for multiple murders. Joanna’s lifeless body was discovered in a river, bearing signs of assault and strangulation. Despite Olivier’s admission of guilt, it took 33 years for Joanna’s family to experience a sense of justice during her trial. Unfortunately, Fourniret passed away in 2021 before facing trial for Joanna’s murder.
The Murderer And His Ex-Wife
In 1990, French serial killer Michel Fourniret claimed the life of Joanna Parrish. Fourniret, infamously referred to as the “Ogre of the Ardennes,” had previously been convicted in 2008 for the murders of seven other girls and young women.
Joanna’s lifeless body, bearing signs of assault and strangulation, was discovered in a river. Subsequently, Monique Olivier was convicted of complicity in Joanna’s murder, along with other cases. Fourniret passed away in 2021 before undergoing a trial specifically for Joanna Parrish’s murder, although he had confessed to the crime in 2018.
Justice Served
Fourniret died in 2021 before trial. Victims were shot, stabbed, or beaten. Monique Olivier, serving a life sentence, was found guilty of complicity in Joanna Parrish’s murder and two others over 17 years. Olivier lured victims into the vehicle while Fourniret, waiting, played his part.
Despite Olivier’s 2005 confession, Fourniret had denied involvement. Olivier apologized during the trial, claiming control by her ex-husband. After 30 years, Joanna’s family found justice. Rodger Parrish condemned Olivier’s role, emphasizing Joanna’s trust in women. He expressed relief, remembering Joanna with a smile.
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