Thought all would find this of interest.

Chris Roberts

19 June 2009

  Author Norman Mailer Believed Murdered 5:28 pm EST

BOSTON (Reuters) - Little known to the literary world, an autopsy was performed on Norman Mailer not long after his death. The local authorities were acting on a tip. A young French woman who had been caring for the grizzled old author is the subject of an active investigation. The young lady in question has been identified as one, Marie St. Lachette, aged 23. Detectives were only recently able to confirm her true identity through the help of INTERPOL and confirmation by her boyfriend, Jacques Dumont, 31. This confirmation was only procured after he was arrested for transportation of stolen goods. It seems as the duo, Marie and Jacques, were stealing items from the combative author's home for some time preceding his death. "Several signed first editions, cash, jewelry and other items of value were believed to be stolen by the suspects," said Lieutenant Charles Abernathy. In order to obtain a lighter sentence, Dumont told the police a rather sordid story of Marie's murderous intent.

     On visits to Mailer's home the French thief witnessed, on no less then four occasions, Ms. Marie attempting to take the life of Mailer. Twice seen was the female death merchant sitting on the chest of the author. When asked by the boyfriend what she was doing, she wryly replied, "Pressing the life out of the old man." The shocked Jacques stopped her, as too, when she attempted to suffocate him with a pillow over his face in other incidents. When asked by Dumont why she was doing such things, she merely offered up a veiled reference to her grandfather. Those close to the case said she finally succeeded in smothering him with a pillow.

     Marie was originally detained, but was able to gain freedom through her attorney's successful bail application. She was not long for these United States and in a flash, fled back to France. The French government has agreed to extradition and it is said American officials will travel the first week of July to retrieve St. Lachette. In an odd footnote, the young lady has adamantly stated that she will surrender in no other place in France, but at the gravesite of rock legend Jim Morrison. U.S. officials have agreed to the demand.