The Missing and Murdered of Burgundy, France

Negligence

The investigation into Joannas death was bungled from the beginning. The crime scene was turned into a forensic disaster. Moreover, much of the information gathered during the investigation was kept from Joannas family, who desperately tried to learn what advances were being made in the case.

Tearse suggested that during a British inquest into Joannas murder, critical evidence was discovered that was ignored or overlooked by French coroners. He claimed that a second autopsy, conducted by the British, revealed several bite marks on Joannas body. From a forensic standpoint, bite marks are vital clues that can reveal information about the killer because teeth, bite and jaw formations are individually unique and can be easily matched. The revelation shocked Joannas parents who couldnt comprehend how something so obvious and important could have gone unnoticed.

Joanna (r) with parents, Burgundy

During the autopsy, medical examiners were able to obtain sperm samples. It took two years for the samples to be analyzed, but the results led to a genetic print. The DNA evidence was one of the biggest clues in the investigation and Roger and Pauline hoped that it would lead investigators to the killer. However, they were not so fortunate.

Tearse said, investigators refused to call for voluntary DNA tests of the local male population and continued to refuse to make a media appeal for witnesses. It was another blow to the investigation and a major disappointment for Roger and Pauline. Frustrated at the incompetence of police, Joannas family decided to take measures into their own hands.

Map: Auxerre and Monéteau

They family offered a reward for information into Joannas death and handed out leaflets in and around Auxerre and Monéteau. They even appealed to the British government for assistance. Even though they were unsuccessful in getting help from the British government they did manage to get some interesting responses to their leaflets.

Several people called offering some information directly concerning Joannas death. Roger and Pauline eagerly presented the new leads to the French authorities. However, for some unknown reason the investigators failed to pursue the tips.

Isabelle Laville, victim

The family members of other murdered victims in Burgundy responded to the leaflets. Roger and Pauline learned that three other young women, Isabelle Laville, 17, Danielle Bernard, 39, Sylvie Baton, 24, were murdered near or in Auxerre between 1987 and 1990. Their families were angered because they also felt as if the investigators were mishandling the cases of their deceased loved ones.

Eventually, Roger and Pauline discovered that there were approximately 13 more unsolved murders and disappearances of women in the Auxerre area over the last 30 years. Interestingly, investigators working on Joannas case never told them about the spate of murders, two of which occurred within months of their daughters death.

Roger and Pauline tried to obtain Joannas case files so they could bring in outside help to assist in the investigation. However, investigators continued to deny them access to the documents. Even though it seemed as if they were battling a lost cause, they refused to give up in their search for evidence.