Exploring the Mind of a Cannibal: A Decade of Psychological Insights
Inside my ten-year relationship with a cannibal: The four words that revealed the depths of his depravity... and the day he confessed what drove him to taste human flesh

Image: Mail Online
This article details the chilling ten-year relationship between psychologist Nathalie von Zelowitz and 'Bernard,' a cannibal killer incarcerated in France. Through their sessions, Bernard reveals his traumatic past, the circumstances leading to his horrific crime, and his struggle with his identity and mental health. His story reflects the complexities of human depravity and the quest for understanding.
- 01Bernard killed a fellow homeless man, David, in a fit of rage before consuming his heart, which he cooked and ate.
- 02His childhood was marked by trauma, including abuse and neglect, leading to severe psychological issues.
- 03Bernard expressed a desire for discipline and love from his parents, which he felt was lacking throughout his upbringing.
- 04Despite his heinous act, Bernard does not view himself as mentally ill, insisting he is 'not crazy' but rather 'exceptional.'
- 05The legal system in France deemed Bernard mentally sound, and he faces a complex path for potential release.
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Nathalie von Zelowitz, a psychologist, recounts her ten-year experience working with 'Bernard,' a cannibal killer incarcerated in a high-security psychiatric facility in France. Their sessions, spanning from 2011 to 2021, delve into Bernard's traumatic childhood, which included being abandoned by his father and abused by caregivers. This tumultuous upbringing contributed to his eventual descent into violence and cannibalism, culminating in the murder of a fellow homeless man, David, in 2009. Bernard described the act as a trance-like rage, after which he cooked and consumed David's heart. Throughout their discussions, Bernard expressed a longing for recognition and understanding, feeling that he had always warned others about his dangerous tendencies but was ignored. He firmly believes he is not mentally ill but rather an 'exceptional guy,' a sentiment that the French legal system echoed when it found him criminally responsible for his actions. His future remains uncertain, as he must demonstrate mental stability before any potential release. Bernard's story is a disturbing exploration of human depravity, trauma, and the complexities of identity.
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