‘Le Monstre’ Podcast Explores Story Of Most Notorious Serial Killer In Belgium

Tenderfoot TV and iHeartMedia’s podcast, Le Monstre, recounts the story of a serial killer that terrorized Belgium in the 80s and 90s. In June of 1995, two eight-year-old Belgian girls, Julie Lejeune and Mélissa Russo, disappeared while playing in their neighborhood of Liège. Their kidnapping and murders were eventually linked to the serial killer, pedophile and kidnapper Marc Dutroux, who later became known as “Le Monstre.” Dutroux and his accomplices were responsible for the abduction and murder of multiple young women in Belgium. The lack of action from local and Federal authorities in Belgium created a sense of mistrust and formed conspiracy theories as to why certain DNA evidence was never fully explored. After Dutroux’s arrest, 400,000 Belgians took to the streets in a protest which ultimately reformed the country’s justice system.

In the 10-episode series, out now, host Matt Graves explores the case and its impact on the country. Graves is a Texas native who moved to Belgium during the time of these events and witnessed the chaos first-hand. Le Monstre includes interviews with former officers, family members of those involved, investigative journalists and judicial authorities.

I spoke with Graves about what he hopes Le Monstre will bring to its listeners. We also discussed his experience living in Belgium during these events and if he feels the country has been able to move forward in the aftermath of this case.

Risa Sarachan: You’ve known about (and experienced) this story since you moved to Belgium in the mid-90s. What inspired you to tell it now and in this format?

Matt Graves: The main inspiration for wanting to tell this story is the story itself. Apart from the horrific nature of this tragedy, the real story is frankly almost beyond belief. Police ineptitude, criminal conspiracy, cover-up, murders of witnesses and escape from prison, just to name a few. I started it before even having a publisher and the more I dug into the story, the more fascinated I became. As I got to know some of the key players involved with the affair, this fascination only grew. I’m a huge fan and believer in the power of long-form storytelling and the podcast medium is best for this type of art and journalism. Working with Tenderfoot TV has been incredible because they totally get this. When I first discussed the project with Donald Albright, President and Co-Founder of Tenderfoot TV, I asked him “what sort of deadlines do you guys set for projects like this?” and his answer was “how much time do you need?” This was a dream come true for me and I’ve been really pleased and impressed with the way he and his team have approached the project. There is a different level of care that Tenderfoot takes when dealing with their series and investigations.

Sarachan: I read that you also plan to release a French version of the podcast – why was that important to do?

Graves: We’re uncovering things that could affect the future of this case. In order to create the viral effect a podcast can have in terms of moving the needle on a case, we’ll need to publish in French.

Sarachan: I enjoyed the personal stories you shared in small bits throughout the episodes. When you think back to this time, what memories of the case really stand out?

Graves: I’m so glad you said that and asked me this question. Moving to a different country is a major change, and it creates memories you don’t forget. I vividly recall the sights and smells when I arrived in Belgium. It was summer, and people live much more in the street here than in America when the weather is nice. Fresh fruit in open markets, cafés and terraces full of people enjoying drinks and banter, it was a wildly exciting time for me in my mid-twenties. I also remember those damned missing children flyers everywhere. They were in subways, supermarkets and car windows. It was sad because the parents went above and beyond, only to be mistreated by police, the judiciary system and members of the press. Everyone was basically telling them that their kids were dead and that they should just accept it, but in reality, the parents were right. If the police and the judiciary system had moved more aggressively, their children would have probably been saved.

Sarachan: This case clearly led to massive reform in Belgium and a general distrust of those who are supposed to protect. Do you think the country has healed from this?

Graves: I think the country has moved forward amazingly, actually. There’s certainly room for improvement, but I think it’s much better and more transparent now.

Sarachan: What do you hope Le Monstre brings to its listeners?

Graves: An incredible story well told. I’d also like to think we can push towards the resolution of some unanswered questions. I hope when listeners tune in every Tuesday to Le Monstre, wherever they listen to podcasts, that they grasp a deeper understanding of the cases and information that may lead to any new discoveries.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.

Le Monstre is available to listen to now across iHeartRadio and all podcast platforms, and new episodes will launch on following Tuesdays. Listen to the trailer HERE.