A French restaurant owner, Philippe Schneider, has admitted to killing a 60-year-old recluse during a failed robbery attempt. Schneider, 69, and his partner, Nathalie Caboubassy, 45, are currently on trial for their alleged involvement in the murder of Georges Meichler, whose disappearance in 2023 shocked the community.
Schneider, a former butcher, confessed to authorities that he and Caboubassy killed Meichler during a break-in at his isolated home in the French village of Brasc. Schneider revealed that after tying up and gagging Meichler, the two searched his home. Upon returning, they discovered Meichler had died from suffocation. Schneider’s disturbing account continued as he explained how he dismembered the body and scattered pieces of it in the surrounding area, including in Meichler’s own van, which the pair took. Schneider also admitted to attempting to cook parts of the body in a pot of vegetables, a ritual he claimed to have learned while in Nepal, in an attempt to cover up the foul smell.
Schneider’s account further implicated a 25-year-old grave digger, who is also on trial. The grave digger reportedly followed Schneider’s orders to cook the meat until it fell off the bone and was instructed to tell anyone who asked that the food was meant for a dog. Meichler’s daughter reported that he was missing after not hearing from him for several days. She also received a suspicious text, allegedly from her father, stating he was heading to Brittany with a friend.
Days later, police found Schneider and Caboubassy in Meichler’s stolen van. Despite claiming Meichler had loaned them the vehicle, authorities discovered the remains and blood of the missing man in the back. Schneider has blamed his addiction to alcohol and cannabis for his actions during the robbery attempt. Meanwhile, Caboubassy denies any involvement in the murder.
Schneider has confessed to all charges and acknowledges his responsibility for the crime. He is facing charges of kidnapping leading to death, concealment of a corpse, and endangering the integrity of a corpse. Caboubassy and the grave digger are charged with complicity. The verdict in the trial is expected on May 22.
