Due to the graphic nature of this killer's crimes, listener discretion is advised.

This episode includes discussions of graphic torture and slavery.

Consider this when deciding how and when you'll listen.

On April 10, 1834, a fire broke out in the mansion of Madame Delphine-Lallore.

As people gathered outside to watch the blaze, volunteers rushed into the building to make sure

everyone was safe. What they found inside the slave

quarters was so horrific everyone in the city was screaming for Delphine's

blood. Since that day, the lines between history and myth

have blurred around Delphine.

No villain in New Orleans looms as large.

Even today, stories of her cruelty and rumors of her ghost haunt the French

quarter. But how much of the story is true? What did the volunteers really find inside the mansion?

And what's the truth about Madame Delphine Lallore,

who turned from New Orleans crown jewel

into its most hellish monster.

I'm Vanessa Richardson, and this is Serial Killers, a Spotify podcast.

You can find us here every Monday.

Be sure to check us out on Instagram at Serial Killer's Podcast and we'd love to hear

from you so if you're listening on the Spotify app swipe up and give us your thoughts. Our story starts.

Our story starts in the late 1700s.

At that time, New Orleans was technically owned by the Spanish crown,

but the city's real royalty was the McCarthy family.

...