Leonarda Cianciulli, one of history’s most chilling serial killers, shocked the world with her heinous crimes in early 20th century Italy. Born in Montella, on April 14, 1893, Cianciulli’s life took a dark turn resulting in a reign of terror that would forever be etched in the annals of criminal history.
Known as the “Soap-Maker of Correggio,” Leonarda Cianciulli lured three innocent women to her home, promising them jobs and prosperous lives. However, her sinister intentions were far more sinister than anyone could have imagined.
Cianciulli had an inexplicable fascination with superstitions and believed that human sacrifices would grant her protection and good fortune. In order to carry out her horrific deeds, she devised a diabolical plan to transform her victims into everyday household items – candy and soap.
Once each victim arrived at Cianciulli’s residence, she drugged them with a glass of wine, rendering them unconscious. It was then that she ended their lives, using an axe to dismember their bodies. Cianciulli’s crimes were not motivated by sadistic pleasure but rather a twisted belief that her acts were necessary for her own well-being and that of her children.
Cianciulli’s grotesque modus operandi did not stop there. After dismembering her victims, she boiled their remains and used the resulting liquid to make bars of soap. This macabre product was then used by her family for their daily hygiene requirements. In addition, the flesh of her victims was turned into tea cakes, which she consumed herself and also offered to others, including unsuspecting neighbors.
The police finally discovered Cianciulli’s gruesome secret in 1940 when a lady from Correggio mysteriously disappeared and her sister suspected Cianciulli’s involvement. An investigation began, and it wasn’t long before the shocking truth was unraveled – Leonarda Cianciulli was a depraved serial killer.
She was arrested, and during the trial, Cianciulli showed no remorse for her actions. Instead, she remained unapologetic, arguing that her bloody rituals had protected her loved ones from harm. In 1946, Cianciulli was found guilty of murder and sentenced to 30 years in prison and three years in a criminal asylum.
The case of Leonarda Cianciulli stunned the world with its brutality and the unexpected transformation of human remains into seemingly harmless household products. It remains a grim reminder of the darkness that can lurk within seemingly ordinary individuals.
For more information on Leonarda Cianciulli and her horrifying crimes, you can refer to this source.
Quick Links
Legal Stuff