Kendall Francois
Poughkeepsie Serial Killer
CLASSIFICATION: Serial Homicide
LOCATION
Poughkeepsie, New York
TIME PERIOD
1996-1998
VICTIMS
8 confirmed
Kendall L. Francois, known as the "Poughkeepsie Killer," was convicted of murdering eight women in Poughkeepsie, New York, between October 1996 and August 1998. The victims, primarily sex workers, were targeted for their physical similarities, and Francois employed methods including choking and drowning. He was apprehended on September 2, 1998, after a police investigation linked him to the disappearances of the women, leading to the discovery of their remains in his home. Francois was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and died in custody on September 11, 2014. Significant evidence included witness testimonies, forensic analysis, and the recovery of the victims' remains, which confirmed his involvement in the crimes.
Investigators and the public speculate that Kendall Francois may have had a history of violent behavior prior to his crimes, with some believing that his struggles with obesity and social isolation contributed to his eventual actions. There are theories suggesting that he may have targeted vulnerable women, particularly sex workers, due to their perceived lack of support and visibility in society. Additionally, some believe that his upbringing and experiences in the military may have played a role in shaping his violent tendencies.
The Poughkeepsie Killer: The Story of Kendall Francois
Early Life
Kendall L. Francois, born on July 26, 1971, in Poughkeepsie, New York, seemed to blend into the fabric of everyday life. As the second of four children born to Haitian parents, Francois was an ordinary teenager who wrestled and played football at Arlington High School. In 1989, he graduated and enlisted in the United States Army, completing his basic training at Fort Sill. However, his military career was cut short after four years due to obesity issues; Francois stood at 6 feet 4 inches and weighed 320 pounds. Returning to New York, he pursued a liberal arts major at Dutchess Community College.
During his time at the college, Francois took a job at Arlington Middle School. Beginning as a part-time custodian, he later became a student monitor from April 1996 to January 1997. Nevertheless, Francois’ reputation was marred by his inappropriate behavior toward female students. He often told inappropriate sexual jokes, hugged them without consent, and touched their hair. His body odor earned him the nickname "Stinky" from the students. Francois left his position, claiming he was moving to work at Anderson School, a special education institution, though the school did not confirm his employment.
The Murders
Between 1996 and 1998, the city of Poughkeepsie became the backdrop for a series of chilling murders carried out by Francois. His victims were primarily sex workers, all of whom shared a similar physical appearance: white, slight build, and dark hair. The killing spree began on October 24, 1996, with 30-year-old Wendy Meyers, whom Francois encountered at the Valley Rest Motel. Their interaction turned fatal when Francois choked her during sex and drowned her in a bathtub. The following month, on November 29, he murdered 29-year-old Gina Barone in his car. Shortly after, he claimed the life of Catherine "Cathy" Marsh, who was pregnant at the time. Francois stored these bodies in the attic of his home on 99 Fulton Avenue, where he lived with his parents and younger sister.
By March 7, 1997, Marsh had still not been reported missing, yet Francois had already added two more victims: 47-year-old Kathleen Hurley and 29-year-old Mary Healey Giaccone, the latter not reported missing until November 13, 1997. Poughkeepsie Police Detective Bill Siegrist, upon investigation, found that some Main Street sex workers had complaints about a rough and violent local man, who was none other than Francois.
The police began surveillance on Francois' home, employing a wired prostitute to meet with him, yet little usable information was obtained. However, they noticed Francois’ routine: he would drive his mother to her workplace at a nearby psychiatric center each morning before cruising downtown Poughkeepsie.
In early January 1998, the police interviewed Francois about the missing women but gathered no actionable intel. Later that month, Francois was arrested for assaulting a prostitute in his room following a dispute over money. Francois was charged with third-degree assault, resulting in a brief 15-day jail stint after pleading guilty on May 5.
June of 1998 saw Francois claim his sixth victim, 51-year-old Sandra Jean French, reported missing on June 12. Her car was later discovered abandoned near Francois' home. On August 26, 25-year-old Catina Newmaster disappeared, fitting the same profile as Francois’ previous victims.
Arrest and Discovery
A turning point came on September 1, 1998, when Francois encountered Christine Sala, a local drug addict. After Francois demanded sex and she refused, he assaulted her, threatening, "I'll kill you, I'll kill you." Sala managed to escape, jumping from Francois’ car near a Sunoco station. Detectives Skip Mannain and Bob McCready, who were distributing flyers about Newmaster’s disappearance nearby, were alerted by a witness. They quickly found Sala, who confirmed the attack and filed a complaint against Francois.
Police visited Francois’ home that day to discuss Sala's allegations. Francois agreed to accompany them to the police department, where he eventually confessed to the murders. A search warrant was promptly issued, leading to a team of detectives, crime scene processors, and others entering the Francois residence. The house was filled with garbage, emitting a stench so foul that investigators wore masks. Among the bodies discovered was 34-year-old Audrey Pugliese, who had not been reported missing, raising the confirmed death toll to eight.
Trial and Sentencing
On September 9, 1998, Francois pleaded "not guilty" before Judge Thomas J. Dolan in Dutchess County Court. By October 13, he faced eight counts of first-degree murder, eight counts of second-degree murder, and one count of attempted assault. Francois maintained a not guilty plea and even laughed when the victims' families heckled him in court.
Defense efforts to enter a guilty plea before District Attorney William V. Grady could seek the death penalty initially failed. However, the State Court of Appeals later permitted the plea. Francois, showing little emotion, eventually admitted guilt, commenting that "Killing seemed easier than getting into a relationship." On August 7, 2000, he was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after pleading guilty to multiple counts of first and second-degree murder, thereby avoiding a death sentence.
Francois remained incarcerated until his death on September 11, 2014, at the Wende Correctional Facility from an AIDS-related illness—a condition revealed at his trial in 2000.
The Victims
- Wendy Meyers, aged 30, died in October 1996.
- Gina Barone, aged 29, died in November 1996.
- Catherine Marsh, aged 31, died in November 1996.
- Kathleen Hurley, aged 47, died in January 1997.
- Mary Healey Giaccone, aged 29, died in February 1997.
- Sandra Jean French, aged 51, died in June 1998.
- Audrey Pugliese, aged 34, died in August 1998.
- Catina Newmaster, aged 25, died in August 1998.
An additional case involves 27-year-old Michelle Eason, an African American sex worker reported missing in October 1997. Despite knowing her, Francois denied involvement in her disappearance, which remains unsolved.
Sources
- Original Wikipedia Article: Kendall Francois
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First Murder Committed
Kendall Francois murders Wendy Meyers, his first victim, by drowning her in a bathtub.
Second Murder Committed
Francois kills Gina Barone in his car, marking his second confirmed victim.
Fourth and Fifth Murders
Francois claims two more victims, Kathleen Hurley and Mary Healey Giaccone, during this period.
Sixth Murder Committed
Francois kills Sandra Jean French, who is reported missing shortly after.
Seventh Murder Committed
Francois murders Catina Newmaster, his seventh victim, who disappears in downtown Poughkeepsie.
Arrest of Kendall Francois
Francois is arrested after an assault on Christine Sala leads police to investigate his home.
Plea of Not Guilty
Francois pleads not guilty to the charges of murder in Dutchess County Court.
Sentenced to Life
Francois is sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to eight counts of murder.
Death in Prison
Kendall Francois dies in Wende Correctional Facility due to AIDS-related illness.
Kendall L. Francois, known as the "Poughkeepsie Killer," was convicted of murdering eight women in Poughkeepsie, New York, between October 1996 and August 1998. The victims, primarily sex workers, were targeted for their physical similarities, and Francois employed methods including choking and drowning. He was apprehended on September 2, 1998, after a police investigation linked him to the disappearances of the women, leading to the discovery of their remains in his home. Francois was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole and died in custody on September 11, 2014. Significant evidence included witness testimonies, forensic analysis, and the recovery of the victims' remains, which confirmed his involvement in the crimes.
Investigators and the public speculate that Kendall Francois may have had a history of violent behavior prior to his crimes, with some believing that his struggles with obesity and social isolation contributed to his eventual actions. There are theories suggesting that he may have targeted vulnerable women, particularly sex workers, due to their perceived lack of support and visibility in society. Additionally, some believe that his upbringing and experiences in the military may have played a role in shaping his violent tendencies.
The Poughkeepsie Killer: The Story of Kendall Francois
Early Life
Kendall L. Francois, born on July 26, 1971, in Poughkeepsie, New York, seemed to blend into the fabric of everyday life. As the second of four children born to Haitian parents, Francois was an ordinary teenager who wrestled and played football at Arlington High School. In 1989, he graduated and enlisted in the United States Army, completing his basic training at Fort Sill. However, his military career was cut short after four years due to obesity issues; Francois stood at 6 feet 4 inches and weighed 320 pounds. Returning to New York, he pursued a liberal arts major at Dutchess Community College.
During his time at the college, Francois took a job at Arlington Middle School. Beginning as a part-time custodian, he later became a student monitor from April 1996 to January 1997. Nevertheless, Francois’ reputation was marred by his inappropriate behavior toward female students. He often told inappropriate sexual jokes, hugged them without consent, and touched their hair. His body odor earned him the nickname "Stinky" from the students. Francois left his position, claiming he was moving to work at Anderson School, a special education institution, though the school did not confirm his employment.
The Murders
Between 1996 and 1998, the city of Poughkeepsie became the backdrop for a series of chilling murders carried out by Francois. His victims were primarily sex workers, all of whom shared a similar physical appearance: white, slight build, and dark hair. The killing spree began on October 24, 1996, with 30-year-old Wendy Meyers, whom Francois encountered at the Valley Rest Motel. Their interaction turned fatal when Francois choked her during sex and drowned her in a bathtub. The following month, on November 29, he murdered 29-year-old Gina Barone in his car. Shortly after, he claimed the life of Catherine "Cathy" Marsh, who was pregnant at the time. Francois stored these bodies in the attic of his home on 99 Fulton Avenue, where he lived with his parents and younger sister.
By March 7, 1997, Marsh had still not been reported missing, yet Francois had already added two more victims: 47-year-old Kathleen Hurley and 29-year-old Mary Healey Giaccone, the latter not reported missing until November 13, 1997. Poughkeepsie Police Detective Bill Siegrist, upon investigation, found that some Main Street sex workers had complaints about a rough and violent local man, who was none other than Francois.
The police began surveillance on Francois' home, employing a wired prostitute to meet with him, yet little usable information was obtained. However, they noticed Francois’ routine: he would drive his mother to her workplace at a nearby psychiatric center each morning before cruising downtown Poughkeepsie.
In early January 1998, the police interviewed Francois about the missing women but gathered no actionable intel. Later that month, Francois was arrested for assaulting a prostitute in his room following a dispute over money. Francois was charged with third-degree assault, resulting in a brief 15-day jail stint after pleading guilty on May 5.
June of 1998 saw Francois claim his sixth victim, 51-year-old Sandra Jean French, reported missing on June 12. Her car was later discovered abandoned near Francois' home. On August 26, 25-year-old Catina Newmaster disappeared, fitting the same profile as Francois’ previous victims.
Arrest and Discovery
A turning point came on September 1, 1998, when Francois encountered Christine Sala, a local drug addict. After Francois demanded sex and she refused, he assaulted her, threatening, "I'll kill you, I'll kill you." Sala managed to escape, jumping from Francois’ car near a Sunoco station. Detectives Skip Mannain and Bob McCready, who were distributing flyers about Newmaster’s disappearance nearby, were alerted by a witness. They quickly found Sala, who confirmed the attack and filed a complaint against Francois.
Police visited Francois’ home that day to discuss Sala's allegations. Francois agreed to accompany them to the police department, where he eventually confessed to the murders. A search warrant was promptly issued, leading to a team of detectives, crime scene processors, and others entering the Francois residence. The house was filled with garbage, emitting a stench so foul that investigators wore masks. Among the bodies discovered was 34-year-old Audrey Pugliese, who had not been reported missing, raising the confirmed death toll to eight.
Trial and Sentencing
On September 9, 1998, Francois pleaded "not guilty" before Judge Thomas J. Dolan in Dutchess County Court. By October 13, he faced eight counts of first-degree murder, eight counts of second-degree murder, and one count of attempted assault. Francois maintained a not guilty plea and even laughed when the victims' families heckled him in court.
Defense efforts to enter a guilty plea before District Attorney William V. Grady could seek the death penalty initially failed. However, the State Court of Appeals later permitted the plea. Francois, showing little emotion, eventually admitted guilt, commenting that "Killing seemed easier than getting into a relationship." On August 7, 2000, he was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole after pleading guilty to multiple counts of first and second-degree murder, thereby avoiding a death sentence.
Francois remained incarcerated until his death on September 11, 2014, at the Wende Correctional Facility from an AIDS-related illness—a condition revealed at his trial in 2000.
The Victims
- Wendy Meyers, aged 30, died in October 1996.
- Gina Barone, aged 29, died in November 1996.
- Catherine Marsh, aged 31, died in November 1996.
- Kathleen Hurley, aged 47, died in January 1997.
- Mary Healey Giaccone, aged 29, died in February 1997.
- Sandra Jean French, aged 51, died in June 1998.
- Audrey Pugliese, aged 34, died in August 1998.
- Catina Newmaster, aged 25, died in August 1998.
An additional case involves 27-year-old Michelle Eason, an African American sex worker reported missing in October 1997. Despite knowing her, Francois denied involvement in her disappearance, which remains unsolved.
Sources
- Original Wikipedia Article: Kendall Francois
No Recent News
No recent news articles found for this case. Check back later for updates.
No Evidence Submitted
No evidence found for this case. Be the first to submit evidence in the comments below.
Join the discussion
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First Murder Committed
Kendall Francois murders Wendy Meyers, his first victim, by drowning her in a bathtub.
Second Murder Committed
Francois kills Gina Barone in his car, marking his second confirmed victim.
Fourth and Fifth Murders
Francois claims two more victims, Kathleen Hurley and Mary Healey Giaccone, during this period.
Sixth Murder Committed
Francois kills Sandra Jean French, who is reported missing shortly after.
Seventh Murder Committed
Francois murders Catina Newmaster, his seventh victim, who disappears in downtown Poughkeepsie.
Arrest of Kendall Francois
Francois is arrested after an assault on Christine Sala leads police to investigate his home.
Plea of Not Guilty
Francois pleads not guilty to the charges of murder in Dutchess County Court.
Sentenced to Life
Francois is sentenced to life in prison without parole after pleading guilty to eight counts of murder.
Death in Prison
Kendall Francois dies in Wende Correctional Facility due to AIDS-related illness.