Myrtel, Hera (b. 1868)

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Myrtel, Hera (b. 1868)

French murderer and novelist. Name variations: Héra Myrtel or Hera Myrtel Jacques; Hera Bessarabo. Born MarieLouise Victorine Grônes in Lyons, France, Oct 25, 1868; m. Paul Jacques, 1894 (died 1914); m. Charles Bessarabo; children: (1st m.) Paule.

First husband was found shot to death (Mar 5, 1914) and thought to have committed suicide; published successful romantic novel under name Héra Myrtel and became a somewhat recognized literary figure; fired shot that killed her 2nd husband (July 30, 1920), and with help of daughter Paule placed his body in a trunk which was shipped to Nancy; when both were tried for murder (Feb 15, 1921), was implicated by daughter in the killing; found guilty and received 20-year sentence while daughter went free.

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