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Michelle Martin was apprehended back in August 1996 alongside his husband, Marc Dutroux. Dutroux, who was involved in multiple criminal activities aside from being a serial killer, was the major focus of The Monster of Belgium, a recently released episode of Peacock’s World’s Most Notorious Killers.
Dutroux’s story was explored as part of episode 3 of season 1, released on September 17, 2024. While the serial killer’s story was delved into in detail, the episode also shed light on how his wife, Michelle Martin, also played a part in the crimes. Martin acted as an accomplice in almost all of the crimes committed by her husband and, as a result, was arrested in August 1996.
However, she was released after spending 16 years in prison after being granted an early release, according to the BBC. She was put under several restrictions, which were eventually lifted in August 2022. Ever since Michelle Martin has been a legally free woman.
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Michelle Martin was granted early release despite heinous nature of her crimes
Martin was apprehended alongside her husband and two women in August 1996. Belgian police had apprehended the two from Marc Dutroux’s home. While Martin herself was not directly involved in any of the violent crimes, her husband was.
Dutroux was convicted of at least 4 murders, in addition to charges related to abuse, abduction, and related crimes. His only ally in these crimes was his wife, Michelle Martin, who played a role in the abduction and abuse of many women. For example, Dutroux was imprisoned for car theft in late 1995. However, he still kept two victims, Melissa and Julie, in the basement of their house. The killer had given strict instructions to Michelle to feed and care for the two.
However, Martin later confessed that she was too afraid to approach the girls, even though she regularly fed her pet dog, who was also kept in the vicinity of the victims. This inability to feed the two led to their deaths, and it was her failure to act that was the major reason why she was convicted.
Furthermore, Martin had also been involved in some of the horrifying abuse that Dutroux’s victims underwent. Regardless, after a hefty trial that began in March 2004, Martin was tried as an accomplice to the list of crimes Dutroux was convicted of. She also agreed to testify against her husband, claiming Dutroux had also killed his past accomplice, Bernard Weinstein.
She admitted to assisting in the kidnappings and the abuse of several girls, which led to a 30-year prison sentence. However, despite the nature of her crimes, Martin was able to apply for parole in 2012, after spending 16 years in prison. She was granted an early release and was initially put under several restrictions.
Michelle Martin was known to have moved to a Poor Clares Convent in Malonne, Belgium, where she stayed for several years. As of August 2022, she officially completed the terms of her parole, leading to complete freedom. Martin is now 62 years old, and continues to live under the radar, considering her past.
While her husband continues to stay in prison, Martin has a new lease of life, and not much is known about her whereabouts since August 2022. She has remained away from the public eye ever since.
