The house at 99 Fulton Avenue, Poughkeepsie, is not your typical address. For years, it concealed horrifying secrets, becoming the epicentre of one of New York’s most gruesome true-crime stories. This unassuming home was both the living quarters and the crime scene of Kendall Francois, a man who terrorized the community with a series of brutal murders between 1996 and 1998.
Who Was Kendall Francois?
Before delving into the house itself, it’s essential to understand the man behind the crimes. Kendall Francois, born in 1971, grew up in Poughkeepsie, New York, where he lived most of his life. To outsiders, he appeared ordinary—a quiet, large man who worked odd jobs and lived with his family. However, beneath this facade lay a distraught individual.
Early Life and Personality
Francois was described as “withdrawn” and “socially awkward.” His childhood was marked by bullying, and he struggled to form meaningful connections with others. Despite his size—he was over six feet tall and weighed more than 300 pounds—he lacked confidence and often kept to himself.
Crimes and Modus Operandi
Between 1996 and 1998, Francois preyed on vulnerable women, most of whom were sex workers. He lured his victims to his family’s home under pretences, where he would strangle them to death. His calculated and methodical approach allowed him to evade capture for years.
Conviction and Sentencing
Francois’ reign of terror ended in 1998 when he was arrested following an assault on Christine Sala, one of his intended victims who managed to escape. During interrogation, Francois confessed to killing eight women. In 2000, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He died in 2014 while serving his sentence.
The Kendall Francois House: 99 Fulton Avenue
The house at 99 Fulton Avenue holds a dark and infamous reputation. It was not just the place where Francois lived—it was also the setting for his heinous crimes.
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Physical Description of the House
Located in a quiet neighbourhood in Poughkeepsie, the house was a two-story structure with a modest exterior. Its ordinary appearance made it all the more shocking when the truth about its interior was revealed.
Disturbing Living Conditions
Inside, the house was a nightmare. Reports from investigators described the home as filthy and cluttered, with piles of garbage strewn everywhere. The stench of decay and neglect permeated the air, making it nearly uninhabitable. Francois’ family, who lived with him, claimed to be unaware of the horrors taking place in their own home. However, the foul odours and disarray hinted at the dark secrets concealed within.
The House as a Crime Scene
The house became the final resting place for eight women. Francois stored their bodies in various parts of the home, including the attic. The sheer horror of discovering decomposing remains in an otherwise quiet suburban neighbourhood shocked even the most seasoned detectives.
Discovery of the Crimes
The unravelling of the Kendall Francois case began with a missing persons investigation that ultimately led to the gruesome discovery inside the house.
Timeline Leading to the Raid
Authorities had been investigating the disappearances of local women for months. However, it wasn’t until Christine Sala’s escape and testimony in September 1998 that they were able to pinpoint Francois as a suspect. This breakthrough led the police to obtain a warrant and search his home.
The Police Search
The search of 99 Fulton Avenue was nothing short of horrifying. Investigators found eight decomposing bodies hidden in various parts of the house. The victims were discovered in advanced states of decomposition, with some remains stored in the attic and others concealed in crawl spaces.
Evidence of Neglect and Concealment
The house was a reflection of Francois’ disturbing mind. The combination of garbage, decay, and human remains created a scene that investigators described as one of the most horrifying they had ever encountered. The discovery left an indelible mark on the Poughkeepsie Police Department and the broader community.
The Haunting Legacy of the Kendall Francois House
The crimes committed at 99 Fulton Avenue sent shockwaves through Poughkeepsie and beyond, leaving a legacy that continues to haunt the town.
Community Impact
The revelation of Francois’ crimes devastated the local community. Poughkeepsie residents were horrified that such atrocities could occur in their midst. Many struggled with feelings of guilt and disbelief, wondering how these crimes went unnoticed for so long.
Media Coverage and Public Reaction
The media descended on Poughkeepsie, turning the Kendall Francois house into a symbol of terror. True crime enthusiasts and journalists alike sought to uncover every detail of the case, amplifying its notoriety.
The House’s Status Today
After the investigation concluded, 99 Fulton Avenue was reportedly demolished. The house, once a place of unimaginable horror, was erased from the physical landscape. However, its memory endures in the minds of those who recall the tragedy.
The Victims: Lives Cut Short
It’s important to remember that behind every true crime story are real people who lost their lives. Francois’ victims were women with families, friends, and dreams.
Victim NameAgeDate of Disappearance
Wendy Meyers 30 October 1996
Gina Barone 29 November 1996
Catherine Marsh 31 November 1996
Michelle Eason 27 October 1997
Mary Giaccone 29 November 1997
Sandra French 51 June 1998
Audrey Pugliese 34 August 1998
Kathleen Hurley 47 August 1998
These women were more than victims—they were mothers, daughters, and friends whose lives were tragically cut short.
Lessons from the Kendall Francois Case
The dark history of 99 Fulton Avenue offers many lessons about crime prevention, community awareness, and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
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Challenges in Law Enforcement
The Francois case highlights the difficulties law enforcement faces when investigating crimes involving marginalized communities. Many of Francois’ victims were sex workers, a fact that contributed to their disappearances being overlooked initially.
Community Vigilance
This case underscores the importance of community vigilance. Residents later admitted noticing strange odours and unusual activity around the house but failed to report it. Greater awareness and cooperation prevented some of these tragedies.
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