Imagine walking down a quiet street in Poughkeepsie, New York. Among the rows of ordinary homes sits a modest, green two-story colonial at 99 Fulton Avenue. At first glance, it looks like any other residence—a little weathered, perhaps, but nothing out of the ordinary. Yet behind its faded siding and curtained windows, this house held a terror that would shock a nation.
Between 1996 and 1998, Kendall Francois’ house became synonymous with terror. Hidden inside its attic and crawl spaces were the decaying remains of eight women, all victims of the man who lived there: Kendall Francois, later dubbed the “Poughkeepsie serial killer.” Francois worked as a school hall monitor by day. Still, at night, he preyed on vulnerable sex workers, luring them into his family home and committing unspeakable acts.
Inside Kendall Francois’ House: Layout and Horrors
A Quiet Colonial with a Nightmarish Secret
To understand the terror of Kendall Francois’ house, you have to picture the setting. The two-story green colonial, sitting on less than a quarter acre, was purchased by the Francois family in 1975 for just $11,500. On the outside, it was sandwiched between average, working-class homes—a place where families played, neighbors chatted, and nobody suspected what horrors lay inside.
The Attic: The Heart of Darkness
The house’s attic was the primary dumping site. Here, bodies were wrapped in old clothing and blankets, hidden among dusty boxes and forgotten furniture. Investigators described the air as “thick and suffocating,” filled with an almost unbearable stench. Some of the bodies had been there for months, and the extent of decomposition was shocking.
Crawl Spaces and Basement: Hidden Remains
The crawl spaces and basement offered even more hiding places. These areas, dark and damp, became the final resting spots for several victims. The advanced state of decomposition, combined with insect and rodent infestations, made the recovery and identification process harrowing for forensic teams.
Interior Chaos: Living Amidst Horror
The inside of the house was a scene of chaos. Garbage and debris littered every room—old food containers, piles of dirty laundry, discarded furniture. The smell was so overpowering that police and forensic investigators needed masks to enter. It’s hard to imagine how the family could live in such conditions, but somehow, they did. Many believe the trash and filth helped mask the even more sinister odors of death.
Table: Features and Horrors of Kendall Francois’ House
House Feature Description Horror Detail
Attic Accessible storage space 8 bodies hidden here, the longest
Basement/Crawl Damp, hidden areas , decomposition advanced; rodents present
Main Floor Family living areas Trash piles masked odors
Overall Size <0.25 acres, 2-story. Sold in 1975 for $11,500
Visualizing the Scene
Picture a faded green colonial, its windows yellowed by age. Overgrown weeds climb up the foundation, and the mailbox leans tiredly by the curb. This was Kendall Francois’ house—an ordinary modern home hiding an extraordinary evil.
Timeline of the Poughkeepsie Killings
The Deadly Sequence: 1996–1998
It’s important to grasp the chilling sequence of events that played out within Kendall Francois’ house. Each victim, each moment, reveals how easy it is for horror to slip beneath the surface of everyday life.
The Timeline
- 1996: The first local sex worker disappears. Police note the missing person report but suspect the woman simply left town.
- 1996–1998: Seven more women vanish, all from similar backgrounds. Their disappearances receive little media attention.
- Neighbors Complain: Residents near 99 Fulton Avenue begin to notice a foul odor. Some suspect plumbing issues; others simply avoid the house.
- August 1998: Francois attacks a woman who, against all odds, manages to escape his clutches.
- September 1, 1998: The escaped victim flags down police. Her story leads to Francois’s arrest.
- Police Search: Investigators descend on the house, discovering 8 bodies in Kendall Francois’ house—the “grim pageant” of death finally revealed.
- Aftermath: The community reels as details emerge, and the true scale of the horror becomes known.
Bodies in Kendall Francois’ House
The bodies were hidden in the attic and crawl spaces, and each woman’s life ended in the shadows of the Fulton Avenue house. Their identities, stories, and tragic ends serve as a haunting reminder of how marginalized lives can be lost and overlooked.
Investigation and Crime Scene Discovery
The Breakthrough: Odor Complaints and a Brave Escape
For two years, the police and community largely ignored the mounting disappearances. But it was the courage of one woman that finally brought the horror to light. In August 1998, Francois attacked a potential victim, who managed to break free and run for help. Her escape proved to be the turning point.
The Crime Scene: Entering the Poughkeepsie Horror House
When police entered Kendall Francois’ house, they were hit by a wall of odors—rotting garbage, decay, and death. Investigators donned masks and protective suits to search the home. Each room was a chaotic mess, with garbage piled high. But it was the attic and crawl spaces that revealed the true scope of the crimes.
Forensic Challenges
- Advanced decomposition made identification difficult.
- Insect and rodent activity further complicated the scene.
- Some victims, like Audrey Pugliese, were not even reported missing, illustrating how society often overlooks the most vulnerable.
The House as an Evidence Hub
Every inch of the Fulton Avenue stunning house became evidence. From strands of hair to scraps of clothing, investigators pieced together the stories of eight lost women. The investigation into Kendall Francois’ house was painstaking but ultimately brought closure to families who had waited years for answers.
Key Steps in the Investigation
- Odor complaints from neighbors.
- Victim’s escape leads to confession.
- Forensic teams work for days to recover and identify remains.
- Fulton Avenue house becomes infamous as the “Poughkeepsie horror house.”
The Investigators’ Perspective
One detective recalled, “The smell… I’ll never forget it. You walked in, and it hit you like a wave. But it was the silence that was worse. The house was so full of secrets.”
Trial, Sentencing, and Aftermath
The Courtroom Drama
In early 2000, Kendall Francois stood trial for the murder of eight women. Facing overwhelming evidence, he pleaded guilty to eight counts of first-degree murder. By pleading guilty, Francois avoided the death penalty, instead receiving a life sentence without the possibility of parole.
Life in Prison and Death
Francois was sent to prison, where he would remain until he died in 2014. He never showed much remorse and rarely spoke about his crimes. For many, his passing brought little comfort—justice had come, but the pain lingered.
The Family’s Ordeal
Perhaps the most haunting aspect is the impact on the Francois family. They lived in the same house, unaware—or in denial—of the horrors inside. Their lives were shattered, their home forever stained by association. Many still wonder how they could have missed the signs, but the reality is that denial and fear often cloud the truth.
Community Shock and the Fate of the House
The revelations rocked the city of Poughkeepsie. The house at 99 Fulton Avenue became a symbol of hidden evil. Many believe the Francois family home was eventually razed, or at the very least, left abandoned and stigmatized. Its legacy, however, remains—a chilling reminder for all who lived nearby.
Legacy of Kendall Francois’ House
Lessons from the Poughkeepsie Horror House
The story of Kendall Francois’ house is more than a tale of crime—it’s a reflection of society’s failings. The victims were women from marginalized backgrounds, often struggling with addiction or homelessness. Their disappearances were too easily ignored, their lives undervalued.
True Crime Fascination and Ethical Remembering
Today, true crime enthusiasts continue to study the case, drawn by its disturbing twists and the mystery of how such evil could go undetected. But it’s important to remember the real victims, not just the sensational details. Their stories matter.
The Current Status of the Fulton Avenue Property
The house itself, once a family home, became a crime scene and then a dark memory. Whether it stands or has been rebuilt, its address—99 Fulton Avenue—remains infamous in Poughkeepsie history.
Avoiding Glorification
As we look back, it’s vital not to glorify the violence or the killer. Instead, let’s focus on the lessons: the need to value every life, to listen to the unheard, and to see the warning signs before it’s too late.
FAQs: Kendall Francois’ House and the Poughkeepsie Serial Killer
Where was Kendall Francois’ house located?
Kendall Francois’ house stood at 99 Fulton Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY—a quiet street forever changed by its secrets.
How many bodies were found in Kendall Francois’ house?
Authorities discovered 8 bodies hidden in the attic and crawl spaces of the home.
What happened to the Francois family home after the crimes?
The house became a notorious crime scene. Public records after 2000 are sparse, but it’s believed the home was either razed or left vacant due to its infamy.
Why did Francois’ crimes go unnoticed for so long?
Piles of trash masked the odors, and the family may have ignored or explained them away. The victims’ marginalized status also meant that their disappearances didn’t get the attention they deserved.
Where Does Kendall Francois Currently Live?
Kendall Francois is deceased.
Kendall Francois House Photos
