France: Chef Murdered, Dismembered, and Cooked a 60-Year-Old Man – Body Never Found

In the courtroom of Aveyron, France, a horrifying case is set to resurface involving a 57-year-old man allegedly killed by his neighbor—a chef, former butcher, and pizza shop owner. The 69-year-old Philippe Schneider will stand trial next Monday for a murder that shocked all of France. The incident occurred in February 2023 in the village of Brusc. The shocking case came to light when the victim’s daughter, George Maichler, tried to locate her father, who lived as a hermit in a rudimentary house in the forest without electricity or water but had been receiving strange messages. Authorities launched an investigation after she noticed discrepancies in the writing style of the messages. Investigators eventually traced the case to Schneider and his 45-year-old partner, Natalie Cambubas, who were seen with the victim’s ID. The couple moved to the area in 2019, where Schneider sold ‘magic potions’ made from garden herbs at a sex shop before opening a pizzeria called Don Filiippo. Initially claiming the victim lent them his car while on vacation, their story quickly unraveled. Schneider ultimately confessed to killing the man, warning investigators that what he was about to say would be horrific. Throughout the investigation, he gave conflicting accounts, complicating the probe further. In one version, Schneider claimed he accidentally killed Maichler during an argument. Later, he admitted going to Maichler’s home to steal cannabis and enlisted the help of a third suspect, undertaker Louis Benrachia. They allegedly tied and gagged the victim, discovering he had suffocated. Schneider reportedly took the body back to his home, waiting three days out of respect for the soul’s reincarnation before dismembering and burning the organs. He is accused of cooking the remaining parts in large pots with vegetables to cover the smell and setting fires to burn the head, hands, and feet. His lawyer stated that Schneider fully accepts responsibility, acknowledging his life at the time was filled with alcohol, drugs, and the insane idea to rob his neighbor. Charges include kidnapping leading to death, hiding a corpse, and endangering its integrity. Schneider’s partner and the undertaker are also charged with complicity. The verdict is expected on May 22.