Sabine Dardenne - Kidnapped

Kidnapped

Dardenne was kidnapped by Dutroux on May 28, 1996, while riding her bicycle to school. Although just twelve years old, Dardenne was feisty, pelting Dutroux with questions and demands. He convinced Dardenne that he was her only ally and that her parents had failed to produce the ransom that would save her from fictitious men who wanted to kill her. During her imprisonment in the basement of Dutroux's house, Dutroux allowed Dardenne to write emotional letters to her friends and family, which he never sent despite promises that he would do so. When, after many weeks, she said she wanted a girlfriend, he kidnapped 14-year old Laetitia Delhez, saying "Look what I've done for you."

The abduction of Delhez was Dutroux's undoing, since local witnesses in Delhez's hometown had spotted his car and at least one had written down his registration. Dardenne and Delhez were rescued on August 15, 1996, by the Belgian police, two days after Dutroux had been arrested. Dutroux admitted to having abducted and raped them both.

Dardenne's ordeal in the basement of Dutroux's house lasted 80 days; Delhez spent 6 days in the basement. Earlier victims included eight-year-olds Melissa Russo and Julie Lejeune, both of whom died of starvation while Dutroux was in prison for car theft, and seventeen-year-old An Marchal and nineteen year old Eefje Lambrecks, both of whom were buried alive. A fifth body, that of his French accomplice, Bernard Weinstein, was found. Dutroux admitted to having drugged Weinstein and burying him alive.