5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker1/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueOBourdinoncewrote,Whenyoufightmonsters,becarefulthat...youdonotbecomeone.PhotographbyFranoisMarieBanier.ANNALS OF CRIMETHE CHAMELEONThemanylivesofFrdricBourdin.by David GrannAUGUST11,2008nMay3,2005,inFrance,amancalledanemergencyhotlineformissingandexploitedchildren.HefranticallyexplainedthathewasatouristpassingthroughOrthez,nearthewesternPyrenees,andthatatthetrainstationhehadencounteredafifteenyearoldboywhowasalone,andterrified.Anotherhotlinereceivedasimilarcall,andtheboyeventuallyarrived,byhimself,atalocalgovernmentchildwelfareoffice.Slenderandshort,withpaleskinandtremblinghands,heworeamuffleraroundmuchofhisfaceandhadabaseballcappulledoverhiseyes.HehadnomoneyandcarriedlittlemorethanacellphoneandanI.D.,whichsaidthathisnamewasFranciscoHernandezFernandezandthathewasbornonDecember13,1989,inCceres,Spain.Initially,hebarelyspoke,butaftersomeproddingherevealedthathisparentsandyoungerbrotherhadbeenkilledinacaraccident.Thecrashlefthiminacomaforseveralweeksand,uponrecovering,hewassenttolivewithanuncle,whoabusedhim.Finally,hefledtoFrance,wherehismotherhadgrownup.FrenchauthoritiesplacedFranciscoattheSt.VincentdePaulshelterinthenearbycityofPau.Astateruninstitutionthathousedaboutthirtyfiveboysandgirls,mostofwhomhadbeeneitherremovedfromdysfunctionalfamiliesorabandoned,theshelterwasinanoldstonebuildingwithpeelingwhitewoodenshuttersontheroofwasastatueofSt.Vincentprotectingachildinthefoldsofhisgown.Franciscowasgivenasingleroom,andheseemedrelievedtobeabletowashandchangeinprivate:hisheadandbody,heexplained,werecoveredinburnsandscarsfromthecaraccident.HewasenrolledattheCollgeJeanMonnet,alocalsecondary5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker2/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueschoolthathadfourhundredorsostudents,mostlyfromtoughneighborhoods,andthathadareputationforviolence.Althoughstudentswereforbiddentowearhats,theprincipalatthetime,ClaireChadourne,madeanexceptionforFrancisco,whosaidthathefearedbeingteasedabouthisscars.LikemanyofthesocialworkersandteacherswhodealtwithFrancisco,Chadourne,whohadbeenaneducatorformorethanthirtyyears,feltprotectivetowardhim.Withhisbaggypantsandhiscellphonedanglingfromacordaroundhisneck,helookedlikeatypicalteenager,butheseemeddeeplytraumatized.Heneverchangedhisclothesinfrontoftheotherstudentsingymclass,andresistedbeingsubjectedtoamedicalexam.Hespokesoftly,withhisheadbowed,andrecoiledifanyonetriedtotouchhim.Gradually,Franciscobeganhangingoutwithotherkidsatrecessandparticipatinginclass.Sincehehadenrolledsolateintheschoolyear,hisliteratureteacheraskedanotherstudent,RafaelPessoaDeAlmeida,tohelphimwithhiscoursework.Beforelong,FranciscowashelpingRafael.Thisguycanlearnlikelightning,Rafaelrecallsthinking.Onedayafterschool,RafaelaskedFranciscoifhewantedtogoiceskating,andthetwobecamefriends,playingvideogamesandsharingschoolgossip.Rafaelsometimespickedonhisyoungerbrother,andFrancisco,recallingthatheusedtomistreathisownsibling,advised,Makesureyouloveyourbrotherandstayclose.Atonepoint,RafaelborrowedFranciscoscellphonetohissurprise,itsaddressbookandcalllogwereprotectedbysecuritycodes.WhenRafaelreturnedthephone,FranciscodisplayedaphotographonitsscreenofayoungboywholookedjustlikeFrancisco.Thatsmybrother,hesaid.Franciscowassoononeofthemostpopularkidsinschool,dazzlingclassmateswithhisknowledgeofmusicandarcaneslangheevenknewAmericanidiomsandmovingeffortlesslybetweenrivalcliques.Thestudentslovedhim,ateacherrecalls.Hehadthisauraabouthim,thischarisma.Duringtryoutsforatalentshow,themusicteacheraskedFranciscoifhewasinterestedinperforming.HehandedheraCDtoplay,thenwalkedtotheendoftheroomandtiltedhishatflamboyantly,waitingforthemusictostart.AsMichaelJacksonssongUnbreakablefilledtheroom,Franciscostartedtodancelikethepopstar,twistinghislimbsandlipsynchingthewordsYoucantbelieveit,youcantconceiveit/Andyoucanttouchme,causeImuntouchable.Everyoneintheroomwatchedinawe.HedidntjustlooklikeMichaelJackson,themusicteachersubsequentlyrecalled.HewasMichaelJackson.Later,incomputerclass,FranciscoshowedRafaelanInternetimageofasmallreptilewithaslitherytongue.Whatisit?Rafaelasked.Achameleon,Franciscoreplied.5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker3/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueOnJune8th,anadministratorrushedintotheprincipalsoffice.Shesaidthatshehadbeenwatchingatelevisionprogramtheothernightaboutoneoftheworldsmostinfamousimpostors:FrdricBourdin,athirtyyearoldFrenchmanwhoseriallyimpersonatedchildren.IsweartoGod,BourdinlooksexactlylikeFranciscoHernandezFernandez,theadministratorsaid.Chadournewasincredulous:thirtywouldmakeFranciscoolderthansomeofherteachers.ShedidaquickInternetsearchforFrdricBourdin.Hundredsofnewsitemscameupaboutthekingofimpostorsandthemasterofnewidentities,who,likePeterPan,didntwanttogrowup.AphotographofBourdincloselyresembledFranciscotherewasthesameformidablechin,thesamegapbetweenthefrontteeth.Chadournecalledthepolice.Areyousureitshim?anofficerasked.No,butIhavethisstrangefeeling.Whenthepolicearrived,ChadournesenttheassistantprincipaltosummonFranciscofromclass.AsFranciscoenteredChadournesoffice,thepoliceseizedhimandthrusthimagainstthewall,causinghertopanic:whatifhereallywasanabusedorphan?Then,whilehandcuffingBourdin,thepoliceremovedhisbaseballcap.Therewerenoscarsonhisheadrather,hewasgoingbald.Iwantalawyer,hesaid,hisvoicesuddenlydroppingtothatofaman.Atpoliceheadquarters,headmittedthathewasFrdricBourdin,andthatinthepastdecadeandahalfhehadinventedscoresofidentities,inmorethanfifteencountriesandfivelanguages.HisaliasesincludedBenjaminKent,JimmyMorins,AlexDole,SladjanRaskovic,ArnaudOrions,GiovanniPetrullo,andMichelangeloMartini.Newsreportsclaimedthathehadevenimpersonatedatigertamerandapriest,but,intruth,hehadnearlyalwaysplayedasimilarcharacter:anabusedorabandonedchild.Hewasunusuallyadeptattransforminghisappearancehisfacialhair,hisweight,hiswalk,hismannerisms.IcanbecomewhateverIwant,helikedtosay.In2004,whenhepretendedtobeafourteenyearoldFrenchboyinthetownofGrenoble,adoctorwhoexaminedhimattherequestofauthoritiesconcludedthathewas,indeed,ateenager.ApolicecaptaininPaunoted,WhenhetalkedinSpanish,hebecameaSpaniard.WhenhetalkedinEnglish,hewasanEnglishman.Chadournesaidofhim,Ofcourse,helied,butwhatanactor!Overtheyears,Bourdinhadinsinuatedhimselfintoyouthshelters,orphanages,fosterhomes,juniorhighschools,andchildrenshospitals.Histrailofconsextendedto,amongotherplaces,Spain,Germany,Belgium,England,Ireland,Italy,Luxembourg,Switzerland,Bosnia,Portugal,Austria,Slovakia,France,Sweden,Denmark,andAmerica.TheU.S.StateDepartmentwarnedthathewasanexceedinglyclevermanwhoposedasadesperatechildinordertowinsympathy,andaFrenchprosecutorcalledhimanincredibleillusionistwhoseperversityismatchedonlybyhisintelligence.Bourdinhimselfhassaid,Iamamanipulator....Myjob5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker4/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueMistomanipulate.InPau,theauthoritieslaunchedaninvestigationtodeterminewhyathirtyyearoldmanwouldposeasateenageorphan.Theyfoundnoevidenceofsexualdevianceorpedophiliatheydidnotuncoveranyfinancialmotive,either.Inmytwentytwoyearsonthejob,Iveneverseenacaselikeit,EricMaurel,theprosecutor,toldme.Usuallypeopleconformoney.Hisprofitseemstohavebeenpurelyemotional.Onhisrightforearm,policediscoveredatattoo.ItsaidcamlonnantaisChameleonfromNantes.r.Grann,Bourdinsaid,politelyextendinghishandtome.WewereonastreetinthecenterofPau,wherehehadagreedtomeetmeonemorninglastfall.Foronce,heseemedunmistakablyanadult,withafaintfiveoclockshadow.Hewasdressedtheatrically,inwhitepants,awhiteshirt,acheckeredvest,whiteshoes,abluesatinbowtie,andafoppishhat.OnlythegapbetweenhisteethevokedthememoryofFranciscoHernandezFernandez.AfterhisruseinPauhadbeenexposed,BourdinmovedtoavillageinthePyrenees,twentyfivemilesaway.Iwantedtoescapefromalltheglare,hesaid.AshadoftenbeenthecasewithBourdinsdeceptions,theauthoritieswerenotsurehowtopunishhim.Psychiatristsdeterminedthathewassane.(Isheapsychopath?onedoctortestified.Absolutelynot.)Nostatuteseemedtofithiscrime.Ultimately,hewaschargedwithobtainingandusingafakeI.D.,andreceivedasixmonthsuspendedsentence.Alocalreporter,XavierSota,toldmethatsincethenBourdinhadperiodicallyappearedinPau,alwaysinadifferentguise.Sometimeshehadamustacheorabeard.Sometimeshishairwastightlycroppedatothertimes,itwasstraggly.Sometimeshedressedlikearapper,andonotheroccasionslikeabusinessman.Itwasasifheweretryingtofindanewcharactertoinhabit,Sotasaid.BourdinandIsatdownonabenchnearthetrainstation,asalightrainbegantofall.Acarpausedbythecurbinfrontofus,withacoupleinside.Theyrolleddownthewindow,peeredout,andsaidtoeachother,LeCamlon.IamquitefamousinFrancethesedays,Bourdinsaid.Toofamous.Aswespoke,hislargebrowneyesflittedacrossme,seeminglytakingmein.Oneofhispoliceinterrogatorscalledhimahumanrecorder.Tomysurprise,BourdinknewwhereIhadworked,whereIwasborn,thenameofmywife,evenwhatmysisterandbrotherdidforaliving.IliketoknowwhomImmeeting,hesaid.Awareofhoweasyitistodeceiveothers,hewasparanoidofbeingamark.Idonttrustanybody,hesaid.Forapersonwhodescribedhimselfasaprofessionalliar,heseemedoddlyfastidiousaboutthefactsofhisownlife.IdontwantyoutomakemeintosomebodyImnot,hesaid.Thestoryisgoodenoughwithoutembellishment.5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker5/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueBIknewthatBourdinhadgrownupinandaroundNantes,andIaskedhimabouthistattoo.Whywouldsomeonewhotriedtoerasehisidentityleaveatraceofone?Herubbedhisarmwherethewordswereimprintedonhisskin.Thenhesaid,Iwilltellyouthetruthbehindallmylies.eforehewasBenjaminKentorMichelangeloMartinibeforehewasthechildofanEnglishjudgeoranItaliandiplomathewasFrdricPierreBourdin,theillegitimatesonofGhislaineBourdin,whowaseighteenandpoorwhenshegavebirthtohim,inasuburbofParis,onJune13,1974.Ongovernmentforms,FrdricsfatherisoftenlistedasX,meaningthathisidentitywasunknown.ButGhislaine,duringaninterviewathersmallhouse,inaruralareainwesternFrance,toldmethatXwasatwentyfiveyearoldAlgerianimmigrantnamedKaci,whomshehadmetatamargarinefactorywheretheybothworked.(Shesaysthatshecannolongerrememberhislastname.)Aftershebecamepregnant,shediscoveredthatKaciwasalreadymarried,andsosheleftherjobanddidnottellhimthatshewascarryinghischild.GhislaineraisedFrdricuntilhewastwoandahalfHewaslikeanyotherchild,totallynormal,shesaysatwhichtimechildservicesintervenedatthebehestofherparents.ArelativesaysofGhislaine,Shelikedtodrinkanddanceandstayoutatnight.Shedidntwantanythingtodowiththatchild.Ghislaineinsiststhatshehadobtainedanotherfactoryjobandwasperfectlycompetent,butthejudgeplacedFrdricinherparentscustody.Yearslater,GhislainewroteFrdricaletter,tellinghim,Youaremysonandtheystoleyoufrommeattheageoftwo.Theydideverythingtoseparateusfromeachotherandwehavebecometwostrangers.Frdricsaysthathismotherhadadireneedforattentionand,ontherareoccasionsthathesawher,shewouldfeignbeingdeathlyillandmakehimruntogethelp.Toseemefrightenedgaveherpleasure,hesays.ThoughGhislainedeniesthis,sheacknowledgesthatsheonceattemptedsuicideandhersonhadtorushtofindassistance.WhenFrdricwasfive,hemovedwithhisgrandparentstoMouchamps,ahamletsoutheastofNantes.FrdricpartAlgerianandfatherless,anddressedinsecondhandclothesfromCatholiccharitieswasavillageoutcast,andinschoolhebegantotellfabulousstoriesabouthimself.HesaidthathisfatherwasneveraroundbecausehewasaBritishsecretagent.Oneofhiselementaryschoolteachers,YvonBourgueil,describesBourdinasaprecociousandcaptivatingchild,whohadanextraordinaryimaginationandvisualsense,drawingwild,beautifulcomicstrips.Hehadthiswayofmakingyouconnecttohim,Bourgueilrecalls.Healsonoticedsignsofmentaldistress.Atonepoint,Frdrictoldhisgrandparentsthathehadbeenmolestedbyaneighbor,thoughnobodyinthetightlyknitvillageinvestigatedtheallegation.Inoneofhiscomicstrips,Frdricdepictedhimselfdrowninginariver.Heincreasinglymisbehaved,actingoutinclassandstealingfromneighbors.Attwelve,hewas5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker6/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=truesenttoliveatLesGrzillires,aprivatefacilityforjuveniles,inNantes.There,hislittledramas,asoneofhisteacherscalledthem,becamemorefanciful.Bourdinoftenpretendedtobeanamnesiac,intentionallygettinglostinthestreets.In1990,afterheturnedsixteen,Frdricwasforcedtomovetoanotheryouthhome,andhesoonranaway.HehitchhikedtoParis,where,scaredandhungry,heinventedhisfirstfakecharacter:heapproachedapoliceofficerandtoldhimthathewasalostBritishteennamedJimmySale.IdreamedtheywouldsendmetoEngland,whereIalwaysimaginedlifewasmorebeautiful,herecalls.WhenthepolicediscoveredthathespokealmostnoEnglish,headmittedhisdeceitandwasreturnedtotheyouthhome.Buthehaddevisedwhathecallshistechnique,andinthisfashionhebegantowanderacrossEurope,movinginandoutoforphanagesandfosterhomes,searchingfortheperfectshelter.In1991,hewasfoundinatrainstationinLangres,France,pretendingtobesick,andwasplacedinachildrenshospitalinSaintDizier.Accordingtohismedicalreport,nooneknewwhohewasorwherehecamefrom.Answeringquestionsonlyinwriting,heindicatedthathisnamewasFrdricCassisaplayonhisrealfathersfirstname,Kaci.Frdricsdoctor,JeanPaulMilanese,wroteinalettertoachildwelfarejudge,Wefindourselvesconfrontedwithayoungrunawayteen,mute,havingbrokenwithhisformerlife.Onapieceofpaper,Bourdinscribbledwhathewantedmost:Ahomeandaschool.Thatsall.Whendoctorsstartedtounravelhispast,afewmonthslater,Bourdinconfessedhisrealidentityandmovedon.Iwouldratherleaveonmyownthanbetakenaway,hetoldme.Duringhiscareerasanimpostor,Bourdinoftenvoluntarilydisclosedthetruth,asiftheattentionthatcamefromexposurewereasthrillingastheconitself.OnJune13,1992,afterhehadposedasmorethanadozenfictionalchildren,Bourdinturnedeighteen,becomingalegaladult.Idbeeninsheltersandfosterhomesmostofmylife,andsuddenlyIwastold,Thatsit.Yourefreetogo,herecalls.HowcouldIbecomesomethingIcouldnotimagine?InNovember,1993,posingasamutechild,helaydowninthemiddleofastreetintheFrenchtownofAuchandwastakenbyfirementoahospital.LaDpcheduMidi,alocalnewspaper,ranastoryabouthim,asking,Wheredoesthismuteadolescent...comefrom?Thenextday,thepaperpublishedanotherarticle,undertheheadlineTHEMUTEADOLESCENTWHOAPPEAREDOUTOFNOWHEREHASSTILLNOTREVEALEDHISSECRET.Afterfleeing,hewascaughtattemptingasimilarrusenearbyandadmittedthathewasFrdricBourdin.THEMUTEOFAUCHSPEAKSFOURLANGUAGES,LaDpcheduMidiproclaimed.AsBourdinassumedmoreandmoreidentities,heattemptedtokilloffhisrealone.Oneday,themayorofMouchampsreceivedacallfromtheGermanpolicenotifyinghimthatBourdinsbodyhadbeenfoundinMunich.WhenBourdinsmotherwastoldthenews,she5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker7/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueOrecalls,Myheartstopped.MembersofBourdinsfamilywaitedforacoffintoarrive,butitneverdid.ItwasFrdricplayingoneofhiscruelgames,hismothersays.Bythemidnineties,Bourdinhadaccumulatedacriminalrecordforlyingtopoliceandmagistrates,andInterpolandotherauthoritieswereincreasinglyonthelookoutforhim.Hisactivitieswerealsogarneringmediaattention.In1995,theproducersofapopularFrenchtelevisionshowcalledEverythingIsPossibleinvitedhimontheprogram.AsBourdinappearedonstage,lookingpaleandprepubescent,thehostteasinglyaskedtheaudience,Whatsthisboysname?Michael,Jrgen,Kevin,orPedro?Whatshisrealagethirteen,fourteen,fifteen?Pressedabouthismotivations,Bourdinagaininsistedthatallhewantedwasloveandafamily.Itwasthesamerationalehealwaysgave,and,asaresult,hewastherareimpostorwhoelicitedsympathyaswellasangerfromthosehehadduped.(Hismotherhasalesscharitableinterpretationofhersonsstatedmotive:Hewantstojustifywhathehasbecome.)TheproducersofEverythingIsPossibleweresoaffectedbyhisstorythattheyofferedhimajobinthestationsnewsroom,buthesoonranofftocreatemoreinteriorfictions,asoneoftheproducerslatertoldareporter.Attimes,Bourdinsdeceptionswereviewedinexistentialterms.OneofhisdevoteesinFrancecreatedaWebsitethatcelebratedhisshapeshifting,hailinghimasanactoroflifeandanapostleofanewphilosophyofhumanidentity.nedaywhenIwasvisitingBourdin,hedescribedhowhetransformedhimselfintoachild.LiketheimpostorshehadseeninfilmssuchasCatchMeIfYouCan,hetriedtoelevatehiscriminalityintoanart.First,hesaid,heconceivedofachildwhomhewantedtoplay.Thenhegraduallymappedoutthecharactersbiography,fromhisheritagetohisfamilytohistics.Thekeyisactuallynotlyingabouteverything,Bourdinsaid.Otherwise,youlljustmixthingsup.HesaidthatheadheredtomaximssuchasKeepitsimpleandAgoodliarusesthetruth.Inchoosinganame,hepreferredonethatcarriedadeepassociationinhismemory,likeCassis.Theonethingyoubetternotforgetisyourname,hesaid.Hecomparedwhathedidtobeingaspy:youchangedsuperficialdetailswhilekeepingyourcoreintact.Thisapproachnotonlymadeiteasiertoconvincepeopleitallowedhimtoprotectapartofhisself,toholdontosomemoralcenter.IknowIcanbecruel,butIdontwanttobecomeamonster,hesaid.Oncehehadimaginedacharacter,hefashionedacommensurateappearancemeticulouslyshavinghisface,pluckinghiseyebrows,usinghairremovalcreams.Heoftenputonbaggypantsandashirtwithlongsleevesthatswallowedhiswrists,emphasizinghissmallness.Peeringinamirror,heaskedhimselfifotherswouldseewhathewantedthemtosee.Theworstthingyoucandoisdeceiveyourself,hesaid.Whenhehonedanidentity,itwascrucialtofindsomeelementofthecharacterthathe5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker8/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueAsharedatechniqueemployedbymanyactors.Peoplealwayssaytome,Whydontyoubecomeanactor?hetoldme.IthinkIwouldbeaverygoodactor,likeArnoldSchwarzeneggerorSylvesterStallone.ButIdontwanttoplaysomebody.Iwanttobesomebody.Inordertohelpeasehischaracterintotherealworld,hefosteredtheillusionamonglocalauthoritiesthathischaracteractuallyexisted.AshehaddoneinOrthez,hewouldcallahotlineandclaimtohaveseenthecharacterinaperiloussituation.Theauthoritieswerelesslikelytogrillachildwhoappearedtobeindistress.IfsomeonenoticedthatBourdinlookedoddlymature,however,hedidnotobject.Ateenagerwantstolookolder,hesaid.Itreatitlikeacompliment.Thoughheemphasizedhiscunning,heacknowledgedwhatanyconmanknowsbutrarelyadmits:itisnotthathardtofoolpeople.Peoplehavebasicexpectationsofothersbehaviorandarerarelyonguardforsomeonetosubvertthem.Byplayingonsomeprimalneedvanity,greed,lonelinessmenlikeBourdinmaketheirmarkfurthersuspenddisbelief.Asaresult,mostconsarefilledwithlogicalinconsistencies,evenabsurdities,whichseemhumiliatinglyobviousafterthefact.Bourdin,whogenerallytappedintoamarkssenseofgoodnessratherthanintosomedarkerurge,says,Nobodyexpectsaseeminglyvulnerablechildtobelying.InOctober,1997,Bourdintoldme,hewasatayouthhomeinLinares,Spain.Achildwelfarejudgewhowashandlinghiscasehadgivenhimtwentyfourhourstoprovethathewasateenagerotherwise,shewouldtakehisfingerprints,whichwereonfilewithInterpol.Bourdinknewthat,asanadultwithacriminalrecord,hewouldlikelyfaceprison.Hehadalreadytriedtorunawayonceandwascaught,andthestaffwaskeepinganeyeonhiswhereabouts.Andsohedidsomethingthatbothstretchedtheboundsofcredulityandthreatenedtotransformhimintothekindofmonsterthathehadinsistedheneverwantedtobecome.Ratherthaninventanidentity,hestoleone.HeassumedthepersonaofamissingsixteenyearoldboyfromTexas.Bourdin,nowtwentythree,notonlyhadtoconvincetheauthoritiesthathewasanAmericanchildhehadtoconvincethemissingboysfamily.ccordingtoBourdin,theplancametohiminthemiddleofthenight:ifhecouldfoolthejudgeintothinkingthathewasanAmerican,hemightbeletgo.HeaskedpermissiontousethetelephoneinthesheltersofficeandcalledtheNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChildren,inAlexandria,Virginia,trollingforarealidentity.SpeakinginEnglish,whichhehadpickedupduringhistravels,heclaimedthathisnamewasJonathanDureanandthathewasadirectoroftheLinaresshelter.HesaidthatafrightenedchildhadturnedupwhowouldnotdisclosehisidentitybutwhospokeEnglishwithanAmericanaccent.Bourdinofferedadescriptionoftheboythatmatchedhimselfshort,slight,prominentchin,brownhair,agapbetweenhisteethandaskedifthecenterhadanyonesimilarinitsdatabase.After5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker9/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=truesearching,Bourdinrecalls,awomanatthecentersaidthattheboymightbeNicholasBarclay,whohadbeenreportedmissinginSanAntonioonJune13,1994,attheageofthirteen.Barclaywaslastseen,accordingtohisfile,wearingawhiteTshirt,purplepants,blacktennisshoesandcarryingapinkbackpack.Adoptingaskepticaltone,Bourdinsays,heaskedifthecentercouldsendanymoreinformationthatithadregardingBarclay.ThewomansaidthatshewouldmailovernightBarclaysmissingpersonflyerandimmediatelyfaxacopyaswell.Aftergivingherthefaxnumberintheofficehewasborrowing,Bourdinsays,hehungupandwaited.Peekingoutthedoor,helookedtoseeifanyonewascoming.Thehallwaywasdarkandquiet,buthecouldhearfootsteps.Atlast,acopyoftheflyeremergedfromthefaxmachine.Theprintoutwassofaintthatmostofitwasillegible.Still,thephotographsresemblancetohimdidnotseemthatfaroff.Icandothis,Bourdinrecallsthinking.Hequicklycalledbackthecenter,hesays,andtoldthewoman,Ihavesomegoodnews.NicholasBarclayisstandingrightbesideme.Elated,shegavehimthenumberoftheofficerintheSanAntonioPoliceDepartmentwhowasinchargeoftheinvestigation.ThistimepretendingtobeaSpanishpoliceman,Bourdinsays,hephonedtheofficerand,mentioningdetailsaboutNicholasthathehadlearnedfromthewomanatthecentersuchasthepinkbackpackdeclaredthatthemissingchildhadbeenfound.TheofficersaidthathewouldcontacttheF.B.I.andtheU.S.EmbassyinMadrid.Bourdinhadnotfullycontemplatedwhathewasabouttounleash.ThenextdayattheLinaresshelter,BourdininterceptedapackagefromtheNationalCenterforMissingandExploitedChildrenaddressedtoJonathanDurean.Herippedopentheenvelope.InsidewasacleancopyofNicholasBarclaysmissingpersonflyer.Itshowedacolorphotographofasmall,fairskinnedboywithblueeyesandbrownhairsolightthatitappearedalmostblond.Theflyerlistedseveralidentifyingfeatures,includingacrosstattooedbetweenBarclaysrightindexfingerandthumb.Bourdinstaredatthepictureandsaidtohimself,Imdead.NotonlydidBourdinnothavethesametattoohiseyesandhairweredarkbrown.Inhaste,heburnedtheflyerintheshelterscourtyard,thenwentintothebathroomandbleachedhishair.Finally,hehadafriend,usinganeedleandinkfromapen,givehimamakeshifttattooresemblingBarclays.Still,therewasthematterofBourdinseyes.Hetriedtoconceiveofastorythatwouldexplainhisappearance.WhatifhehadbeenabductedbyachildsexringandflowntoEurope,wherehehadbeentorturedandabused,evenexperimentedon?Yes,thatcouldexplaintheeyes.Hiskidnappershadinjectedhispupilswithchemicals.HehadlosthisTexasaccentbecause,formorethanthreeyearsofcaptivity,hehadbeenforbiddentospeakEnglish.HehadescapedfromalockedroominahouseinSpainwhenaguardcarelesslyleftthedooropen.Itwasacrazytale,onethatviolatedhismaximtokeepitsimple,butitwouldhavetodo.5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker10/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueSoonafter,thephoneintheofficerang.Bourdintookthecall.ItwasNicholasBarclaysthirtyoneyearoldhalfsister,CareyGibson.MyGod,Nicky,isthatyou?sheasked.Bourdindidntknowhowtorespond.Headoptedamuffledvoice,thensaid,Yes,itsme.Nicholassmother,Beverly,gotonthephone.Atough,heavysetwomanwithabroadfaceanddyedbrownhair,sheworkedthegraveyardshiftataDunkinDonutsinSanAntoniosevennightsaweek.ShehadnevermarriedNicholassfatherandhadraisedNicholaswithhertwoolderchildren,CareyandJason.(ShewasdivorcedfromCareyandJasonsfather,thoughshestillusedhermarriedname,Dollarhide.)Aheroinaddict,shehadstruggledduringNicholassyouthtogetoffdrugs.Afterhedisappeared,shehadbeguntouseheroinagainandwasnowaddictedtomethadone.Despitethesedifficulties,Careysays,Beverlywasnotabadmother:Shewasmaybethemostfunctioningdrugaddict.Wehadnicethings,aniceplace,neverwentwithoutfood.Perhapscompensatingfortheinstabilityinherlife,Beverlyfanaticallyfollowedaroutine:workingatthedoughnutshopfrom10P.M.to5A.M.,thenstoppingattheMakeMyDayLoungetoshootpoolandhaveafewbeers,beforegoinghometosleep.Shehadahardnessabouther,withacigaretteroughenedvoice,butpeoplewhoknowheralsospoketomeofherkindness.Afterhernightshift,shedeliveredanyleftoverdoughnutstoahomelessshelter.Beverlypulledthephoneclosetoherear.Afterthechildlikevoiceontheotherendsaidthathewantedtocomehome,shetoldme,Iwasdumbfoundedandblownaway.Carey,whowasmarriedandhadtwochildrenofherown,hadoftenheldthefamilytogetherduringBeverlysstruggleswithdrugaddiction.SinceNicholassdisappearance,hermotherandbrotherhadneverseemedthesame,andallCareywantedwastomakethefamilywholeagain.ShevolunteeredtogotoSpaintobringNicholashome,andthepackingandshippingcompanywheresheworkedinsalessupportofferedtopayherfare.Whenshearrivedattheshelter,afewdayslater,accompaniedbyanofficialfromtheU.S.Embassy,Bourdinhadsecludedhimselfinaroom.Whathehaddone,heconcedes,wasevil.Butifhehadanymoralreservationstheydidnotstophim,andafterwrappinghisfaceinascarfandputtingonahatandsunglasseshecameoutoftheroom.HewassurethatCareywouldinstantlyrealizethathewasntherbrother.Instead,sherushedtowardhimandhuggedhim.Careywas,inmanyways,anidealmark.Mydaughterhasthebestheartandissoeasytomanipulate,Beverlysays.CareyhadnevertravelledoutsidetheUnitedStates,exceptforpartyinginTijuana,andwasunfamiliarwithEuropeanaccentsandwithSpain.AfterNicholasdisappeared,shehadoftenwatchedtelevisionnewsprogramsaboutluridchildabductions.Inadditiontofeelingthepressureofhavingreceivedmoneyfromhercompanytomakethetrip,shehadtheburdenofdeciding,asherfamilysrepresentative,whetherthiswasherlonglostbrother.5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker11/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueThoughBourdinreferredtoherasCareyratherthansis,asNicholasalwayshad,andthoughhehadatraceofaFrenchaccent,CareysaysthatshehadlittledoubtthatitwasNicholas.Notwhenhecouldattributeanyinconsistenciestohisunspeakableordeal.NotwhenhisnosenowlookedsomuchlikeherunclePats.NotwhenhehadthesametattooasNicholasandseemedtoknowsomanydetailsaboutherfamily,askingaboutrelativesbyname.Yourhearttakesoverandyouwanttobelieve,Careysays.SheshowedBourdinphotographsofthefamilyandhestudiedeachone:thisismymotherthisismyhalfbrotherthisismygrandfather.NeitherAmericannorSpanishofficialsraisedanyquestionsonceCareyhadvouchedforhim.Nicholashadbeengoneforonlythreeyears,andtheF.B.I.wasnotprimedtobesuspiciousofsomeoneclaimingtobeamissingchild.(Theagencytoldmethat,toitsknowledge,ithadneverworkedonacaselikeBourdinsbefore.)AccordingtoauthoritiesinMadrid,CareysworeunderoaththatBourdinwasherbrotherandanAmericancitizen.HewasgrantedaU.S.passportand,thenextday,hewasonaflighttoSanAntonio.Foramoment,Bourdinfantasizedthathewasabouttobecomepartofarealfamily,buthalfwaytoAmericahebegantofreakout,asCareyputsit,tremblingandsweating.Asshetriedtocomforthim,hetoldherthathethoughttheplanewasgoingtocrash,which,helatersaid,iswhathewanted:howelsecouldheescapefromwhathehaddone?Whentheplanelanded,onOctober18,1997,membersofNicholassfamilywerewaitingforhimattheairport.BourdinrecognizedthemfromCareysphotographs:Beverly,NicholassmotherCareysthenhusband,BryanGibsonBryanandCareysfourteenyearoldson,Codey,andtheirtenyearolddaughter,Chantel.OnlyNicholassbrother,Jason,whowasarecoveringdrugaddictandlivinginSanAntonio,wasabsent.Afriendofthefamilyvideotapedthereunion,andBourdincanbeseenbundledup,hishatpulleddown,hisbrowneyesshieldedbysunglasses,hisalreadyfadingtattoocoveredbygloves.ThoughBourdinhadthoughtthatNicholassrelativesweregoingtohanghim,theyrushedtoembracehim,sayinghowmuchtheyhadmissedhim.Wewerealljustemotionallycrazy,Codeyrecalls.Nicholassmother,however,hungback.Shejustdidntseemexcitedthewayyoudexpectfromsomeoneseeingherson,Chanteltoldme.BourdinwonderedifBeverlydoubtedthathewasNicholas,buteventuallyshe,too,greetedhim.TheyallgotinCareysLincolnTownCarandstoppedatMcDonaldsforcheeseburgersandfries.AsCareyrecallsit,Hewasjustsittingbymymom,talkingtomyson,sayinghowmuchhemissedschoolandaskingwhenhedseeJason.BourdinwenttostaywithCareyandBryanratherthanlivewithBeverly.Iworknightsanddidntthinkitwasgoodtoleavehimalone,Beverlysaid.CareyandBryanownedatrailerhomeinadesolatewoodedareainSpringBranch,thirtyfivemilesnorthofSanAntonio,and5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker12/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueOBourdinstaredoutthewindowasthecarwoundalongadirtroad,pastrustedtrucksoncinderblocksanddogsbarkingatthesoundoftheengine.AsCodeyputsit,WedidnthavenoInternet,orstufflikethat.YoucanwalkallthewaytoSanAntoniobeforeyougetanykindofcommunication.TheircrampedtrailerhomewasnotexactlythevisionofAmericathatBourdinhadimaginedfrommovies.HesharedaroomwithCodey,andsleptonafoammattressonthefloor.Bourdinknewthat,ifheweretobecomeNicholasandtocontinuetofoolevenhisfamily,hehadtolearneverythingabouthim,andhebegantomineinformation,secretlyrummagingthroughdrawersandpicturealbums,andwatchinghomevideos.WhenBourdindiscoveredadetailaboutNicholasspastfromonefamilymember,hewouldrepeatittoanother.Hepointedout,forexample,thatBryanoncegotmadatNicholasforknockingCodeyoutofatree.Heknewthatstory,Codeyrecalls,stillamazedbytheamountofintelligencethatBourdinacquiredaboutthefamily.BeverlynoticedthatBourdinkneltinfrontofthetelevision,justasNicholashad.VariousmembersofthefamilytoldmethatwhenBourdinseemedmorestandoffishthanNicholasorspokewithastrangeaccenttheyassumedthatitwasbecauseoftheterribletreatmentthathesaidhehadsuffered.AsBourdincametoinhabitthelifeofNicholas,hewasstruckbywhatheconsideredtobeuncannysimilaritiesbetweenthem.NicholashadbeenreportedmissingonBourdinsbirthday.Bothcamefrompoor,brokenfamiliesNicholashadalmostnorelationshipwithhisfather,whoforalongtimedidntknowthatNicholaswashisson.Nicholaswasasweet,lonely,combustiblekidwhocravedattentionandwasoftenintroubleatschool.Hehadbeencaughtstealingapairoftennisshoes,andhismotherhadplannedtoputhiminayouthhome.(Icouldnthandlehim,Beverlyrecalls.Icouldntcontrolhim.)WhenNicholaswasyoung,hewasadiehardMichaelJacksonfanwhohadcollectedallthesingersrecordsandevenownedaredleatherjacketliketheoneJacksonwearsinhisThrillervideo.AccordingtoBeverly,Bourdinquicklyblendedin.Hewasenrolledinhighschoolanddidhishomeworkeachnight,chastisingCodeywhenhefailedtostudy.HeplayedNintendowithCodeyandwatchedmovieswiththefamilyonsatelliteTV.WhenhesawBeverly,hehuggedherandsaid,Hi,Mom.OccasionallyonSundays,heattendedchurchwithothermembersofthefamily.Hewasreallynice,Chantelrecalls.Reallyfriendly.Once,whenCareywasshootingahomemovieofBourdin,sheaskedhimwhathewasthinking.Itsreallygoodtohavemyfamilyandbehomeagain,hereplied.nNovember1st,notlongafterBourdinhadsettledintohisnewhome,CharlieParker,aprivateinvestigator,wassittinginhisofficeinSanAntonio.Theroomwascrammedwithhiddencamerasthathedeployedinthefield:onewasattachedtoapairofeyeglasses,anotherwaslodgedinsideafountainpen,andathirdwasconcealedonthehandlebarsofatenspeed5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker13/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=truebicycle.OnawallhungaphotographthatParkerhadtakenduringastakeout:itshowedamarriedwomanwithherlover,peekingoutofanapartmentwindow.Parker,whohadbeenhiredbythewomanshusband,calleditthemoneyshot.Parkersphonerang.ItwasatelevisionproducerfromthetabloidshowHardCopy,whohadheardabouttheextraordinaryreturnofsixteenyearoldNicholasBarclayandwantedtohireParkertohelpinvestigatethekidnapping.Heagreedtotakethejob.Withsilverhairandaraspyvoice,Parker,whowastheninhislatefifties,appearedtohavesteppedoutofadimenovel.WhenheboughthimselfabrightredToyotaconvertible,hesaidtofriends,Howyalikethatforanoldman?ThoughParkerhadalwaysdreamedaboutbeingaP.I.,hehadonlyrecentlybecomeone,havingspentthirtyyearssellinglumberandbuildingmaterials.In1994,ParkermetaSanAntoniocouplewhosetwentynineyearolddaughterhadbeenrapedandfatallystabbed.Thecasewasunsolved,andhebeganinvestigatingthecrimeeachnightaftercominghomefromwork.Whenhediscoveredthatarecentlyparoledmurdererhadlivednextdoortothevictim,Parkerstakedoutthemanshouse,peeringoutfromawhitevanthroughinfraredgoggles.Thesuspectwassoonarrestedandultimatelyconvictedofthemurder.Captivatedbytheexperience,Parkerformedamurdersclub,dedicatedtosolvingcoldcases.(Itsmembersincludedacollegepsychologyprofessor,alawyer,andafrycook.)Withinmonths,theclubhaduncoveredevidencethathelpedtoconvictamemberoftheAirForcewhohadstrangledafourteenyearoldgirl.In1995,Parkerreceivedhislicenseasaprivateinvestigator,andhelefthislifeinthelumberbusinessbehind.AfterParkerspokewiththeHardCopyproducer,heeasilytracedNicholasBarclaytoCareyandBryanstrailer.OnNovember6th,Parkerarrivedtherewithaproducerandacameracrew.ThefamilydidntwantBourdintospeaktoreporters.Imaveryprivateperson,Careysays.ButBourdin,whohadbeeninthecountryfornearlythreeweeks,agreedtotalk.Iwantedtheattentionatthetime,hesays.Itwasapsychologicalneed.Today,Iwouldntdoit.Parkerstoodofftooneside,listeningintentlyastheyoungmanrelayedhisharrowingstory.Hewascalmasacucumber,Parkertoldme.Nolookingdown,nobodylanguage.None.ButParkerwaspuzzledbyhiscuriousaccent.ParkerspiedaphotographonashelfofNicholasBarclayasayoungboy,andkeptlookingatitandatthepersoninfrontofhim,thinkingthatsomethingwasamiss.Havingoncereadthatearsaredistinct,likefingerprints,hewentuptothecameramanandwhispered,Zoominonhisears.Getemascloseasyoucan.ParkerslippedthephotographofNicholasBarclayintohispocket,andaftertheinterviewhehurriedbacktohisofficeandusedascannertotransferthephototohiscomputerhethenstudiedvideofromtheHardCopyinterview.Parkerzeroedinontheearsinbothpictures.Theearswereclose,buttheydidntmatch,hesays.5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker14/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueBParkercalledseveralophthalmologistsandaskedifeyescouldbechangedfrombluetobrownbyinjectingchemicals.Thedoctorssaidno.ParkeralsophonedadialectexpertatTrinityUniversity,inSanAntonio,whotoldhimthat,evenifsomeonehadbeenheldincaptivityforthreeyears,hewouldquicklyregainhisnativeaccent.Parkerpassedonhissuspicionstoauthorities,eventhoughtheSanAntoniopolicehaddeclaredthattheboywhocamebackclaimingtobeNicholasBarclayisNicholasBarclay.FearingthatadangerousstrangerwaslivingwithNicholassfamily,ParkerphonedBeverlyandtoldherwhathehaddiscovered.Asherecallstheconversation,hesaid,Itsnothim,Maam.Itsnothim.Whatdoyoumean,itsnothim?sheasked.Parkerexplainedabouttheearsandtheeyesandtheaccent.Inhisfiles,Parkerwrote,Familyisupsetbutmaintainsthattheybelieveitistheirson.ParkersaysthatafewdayslaterhereceivedanangrycallfromBourdin.AlthoughBourdindeniesthathemadethecall,ParkernotedinhisfileatthetimethatBourdinsaid,Whodoyouthinkyouare?WhenParkerrepliedthathedidntbelievehewasNicholas,Bourdinshotback,Immigrationthinksitsme.Thefamilythinksitsme.Parkerwonderedifheshouldletthemattergo.Hehadtippedoffauthoritiesandwasnolongerundercontracttoinvestigatethematter.Hehadothercasespilingup.Andhefiguredthatamotherwouldknowherownson.Still,theboysaccentsoundedFrench,maybeFrenchMoroccan.Ifso,whatwasaforeignerdoinginfiltratingatrailerhomeinthebackwoodsofTexas?Ithoughthewasaterrorist,IsweartoGod,Parkersays.BeverlyrentedasmallroominarundownapartmentcomplexinSanAntonio,andParkerstartedtofollowBourdinwhenhevisitedher.Idsetupontheapartment,andwatchhimcomeout,Parkersays.Hewouldwalkallthewaytothebusstop,wearinghisWalkmananddoinghisMichaelJacksonmoves.ourdinwasstrugglingtostayincharacter.HefoundlivingwithCareyandBeverlyclaustrophobic,andwashappiestwhenhewasoutside,wanderingthestreets.Iwasnotusedtobeinginsomeoneelsesfamily,tolivewiththemlikeImoneoftheirs,hesays.Iwasntreadyforit.Oneday,Careyandthefamilypresentedhimwithacardboardbox.InsidewereNicholassbaseballcards,records,andvariousmementos.Hepickedupeachitem,gingerly.TherewasaletterfromoneofNicholassgirlfriends.Ashereadit,hesaidtohimself,Imnotthisboy.AftertwomonthsintheUnitedStates,Bourdinstartedtocomeapart.Hewasmoodyandaloofweirdingout,asCodeyputit.Hestoppedattendingclasses(onestudenttauntinglysaidthathesoundedlikeaNorwegian)andwasconsequentlysuspended.InDecember,hetookoffinBryanandCareyscaranddrovetoOklahoma,withthewindowsdown,listeningto5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker15/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueMichaelJacksonssongScream:Tiredoftheschemes/Theliesaredisgusting.../Somebodypleasehavemercy/CauseIjustcanttakeit.Thepolicepulledhimoverforspeeding,andhewasarrested.Beverly,Carey,andBryanpickedhimupatthepolicestationandbroughthimhome.Accordingtohisrealmother,Ghislaine,BourdincalledherinEurope.Forallhisdisagreementswithhismother,Bourdinstillseemedtolongforher.(Heoncewroteheraletter,saying,Idontwanttoloseyou....IfyoudisappearthenIdisappear.)GhislainesaysBourdinconfidedthathewaslivingwithawomaninTexaswhobelievedthathewasherson.Shebecamesoupsetthatshehungup.ShortlybeforeChristmas,Bourdinwentintothebathroomandlookedathimselfinthemirrorathisbrowneyes,hisdyedhair.Hegrabbedarazorandbegantomutilatehisface.Hewasputinthepsychiatricwardofalocalhospitalforseveraldaysofobservation.Later,Bourdinwroteinanotebook,Whenyoufightmonsters,becarefulthatintheprocessyoudonotbecomeone.Healsojotteddownapoem:Mydaysarephantomdays,eachonetheshadowofahope/Myreallifeneverwasbegun,/Noranyofmyrealdeedsdone.DoctorsjudgedBourdintobestableenoughtoreturntoCareystrailer.Butheremaineddisquieted,andincreasinglywonderedwhathadhappenedtotherealNicholasBarclay.SodidParker,who,whiletryingtoidentifyBourdin,hadstartedtogatherinformationandinterviewNicholassneighbors.AtthetimethatNicholasdisappeared,hewaslivingwithBeverlyinasmallonestoryhouseinSanAntonio.Nicholasshalfbrother,Jason,whowasthentwentyfour,hadrecentlymovedinwiththemafterlivingforaperiodwithhiscousin,inUtah.Jasonwaswiryandstrong,withlongbrowncurlyhairandacomboftentuckedinthebackpocketofhisjeans.Hehadburnmarksonhisbodyandface:atthirteen,hehadlitacigaretteafterfillingalawnmowerwithgasolineandaccidentallysethimselfonfire.Becauseofhisscars,Careysays,Jasonworriedthathewouldnevermeetsomebodyandhewouldalwaysbealone.HestrummedLynyrdSkynyrdsongsonhisguitarandwasacapableartistwhosketchedportraitsoffriends.Thoughhehadonlycompletedhighschool,hewasbrightandarticulate.Healsohadanaddictivepersonality,likehismother,oftendrinkingheavilyandusingcocaine.Hehadhisdemons,asCareyputit.OnJune13,1994,BeverlyandJasontoldpolicethatNicholashadbeenplayingbasketballthreedaysearlierandcalledhishousefromapayphone,wantingaridehome.Beverlywassleeping,soJasonansweredthephone.HetoldNicholastowalkhome.Nicholasnevermadeit.BecauseNicholashadrecentlyfoughtwithhismotheroverthetennisshoeshehadstolen,andoverthepossibilityofbeingsenttoahomeforjuveniles,thepoliceinitiallythoughtthathehadrunawayeventhoughhehadnttakenanymoneyorpossessions.ParkerwassurprisedbypolicereportsshowingthatafterNicholassdisappearancethere5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker16/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueTwereseveraldisturbancesatBeverlyshouse.OnJuly12th,shecalledthepolice,thoughwhenanofficerarrivedsheinsistedthatshewasallright.Jasontoldtheofficerthathismotherwasdrinkingandscream[ing]athimbecauseherothersonranaway.Afewweekslater,Beverlycalledthepoliceagain,aboutwhatauthoritiesdescribedasfamilyviolence.TheofficeronthescenereportedthatBeverlyandJasonwereexchangingwordsJasonwasaskedtoleavethehousefortheday,andhecomplied.OnSeptember25th,policereceivedanothercall,thistimefromJason.Heclaimedthathisyoungerbrotherhadreturnedandtriedtobreakintothegarage,fleeingwhenJasonspottedhim.Inhisreport,theofficerondutysaidthathehadcheckedtheareaforNicholasbutwasunabletolocatehim.Jasonsbehaviorgrewevenmoreerratic.Hewasarrestedforusingforceagainstapoliceofficer,andBeverlykickedhimoutofthehouse.Nicholassdisappearance,Codeytoldme,hadmessedJasonupprettybad.Hewentonabaddrugbingeandwasshootingcocaineforalongtime.BecausehehadrefusedtohelpNicholasgetaridehomeonthedayhevanished,Chantelsays,Jasonhadalotofguilt.Inlate1996,Jasoncheckedintoarehabilitationcenterandweanedhimselffromdrugs.Afterhefinishedtheprogram,heremainedatthefacilityformorethanayear,servingasacounsellorandworkingforalandscapingbusinessthatthecenteroperated.HewasstilltherewhenBourdinturnedup,claimingtobehismissingbrother.BourdinwonderedwhyJasonhadnotmethimattheairportandhadinitiallymadenoefforttoseehimatCareys.Afteramonthandahalf,Bourdinandfamilymemberssay,Jasonfinallycameforavisit.Eventhen,Codeysays,Jasonwasstandoffish.ThoughJasongavehimahuginfrontoftheothers,Bourdinsays,heseemedtoeyehimwarily.Afterafewminutes,Jasontoldhimtocomeoutside,andheldouthishandtoBourdin.Anecklacewithagoldcrossglitteredinhispalm.Jasonsaidthatitwasforhim.Itwaslikehehadtogiveittome,Bourdinsays.Jasonputitaroundhisneck.Thenhesaidgoodbye,andneverreturned.Bourdintoldme,ItwasclearthatJasonknewwhathadhappenedtoNicholas.Forthefirsttime,Bourdinbegantowonderwhowasconningwhom.heauthorities,meanwhile,hadstartedtodoubtBourdinsstory.NancyFisher,whoatthetimewasaveteranF.B.I.agent,hadinterviewedBourdinseveralweeksafterhearrivedintheUnitedStates,inordertodocumenthisallegationsofbeingkidnappedonAmericansoil.Immediately,shetoldme,shesmelledarat:Hishairwasdarkbutbleachedblondandtherootswerequiteobvious.ParkerknewFisherandhadsharedwithherhisownsuspicions.FisherwarnedParkernottointerferewithafederalprobe,butastheyconductedparallelinvestigationstheydevelopedasenseoftrust,andParkerpassedonanyinformationheobtained.WhenFishermadeinquiriesintowhomayhaveabductedNicholasandsexuallyabusedhim,shesays,shefoundBeverly5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker17/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueoddlysurlyanduncoperative.FisherwonderedwhetherBeverlyandherfamilysimplywantedtobelievethatBourdinwastheirlovedone.Whateverthefamilysmotivations,FishersmainconcernwasthemysteriousfigurewhohadenteredtheUnitedStates.Sheknewthatitwasimpossibleforhimtohavealteredhiseyecolor.InNovember,underthepretextofgettingBourdintreatmentforhisallegedabuse,FishertookhimtoseeaforensicpsychiatristinHouston,whoconcludedfromhissyntaxandgrammarthathecouldnotbeAmerican,andwasmostlikelyFrenchorSpanish.TheF.B.I.sharedtheresultswithBeverlyandCarey,Fishersays,buttheyinsistedthathewasNicholas.BelievingthatBourdinwasaspy,Fishersays,shecontactedtheCentralIntelligenceAgency,explainingthepotentialthreatandaskingforhelpinidentifyinghim.TheC.I.A.wouldntassistme,shesays.IwastoldbyaC.I.A.agentthatuntilyoucanprovehesEuropeanwecanthelpyou.FishertriedtopersuadeBeverlyandBourdintogivebloodsamplesforaDNAtest.Bothrefused.Beverlysaid,Howdareyousayhesnotmyson,Fisherrecalls.InthemiddleofFebruary,fourmonthsafterBourdinarrivedintheUnitedStates,Fisherobtainedwarrantstoforcethemtocoperate.Igotoherhousetogetabloodsample,andsheliesonthefloorandsaysshesnotgoingtogetup,Fishersays.Isaid,Yes,youare.Beverlydefendedme,Bourdinsays.Shedidherbesttostopthem.Alongwiththeirblood,FisherobtainedBourdinsfingerprints,whichshesenttotheStateDepartmenttoseeiftherewasamatchwithInterpol.Carey,worriedabouthersupposedbrothersselfmutilationandinstability,wasnolongerwillingtolethimstaywithher,andhewenttolivewithBeverlyinherapartment.Bythen,Bourdinclaims,helookedatthefamilydifferently.Hismindretracedaseriesofcuriousinteractions:Beverlyscoolgreetingattheairport,Jasonsdelayinvisitinghim.Hesaysthat,althoughCareyandBryanhadseemedintentonbelievingthathewasNicholasignoringtheobviousevidenceBeverlyhadtreatedhimlesslikeasonthanlikeaghost.Onetimewhenhewasstayingwithher,Bourdinalleges,shegotdrunkandscreamed,IknowthatGodpunishedmebysendingyoutome.Idontknowwhothehellyouare.Whythefuckareyoudoingthis?(Beverlydoesnotremembersuchanincidentbutsays,Hemusthavegotmepissedoff.)OnMarch5,1998,withtheauthoritiesclosinginonBourdin,BeverlycalledParkerandsaidshebelievedthatBourdinwasanimpostor.Thenextmorning,Parkertookhimtoadiner.IraisemypantssohecanseeImnotwearingaguninhisankleholster,Parkersays.Iwanthimtorelax.Theyorderedhotcakes.AfternearlyfivemonthsofpretendingtobeNicholasBarclay,5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker18/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueIBourdinsays,hewaspsychicallyfrayed.AccordingtoParker,whenhetoldNicholasthathehadupsethismother,theyoungmanblurtedout,Shesnotmymother,andyouknowit.Yougonnatellmewhoyouare?ImFrdricBourdinandImwantedbyInterpol.Afterafewminutes,ParkerwenttothemensroomandcalledNancyFisherwiththenews.ShehadjustreceivedthesameinformationfromInterpol.Weretryingtogetawarrantrightnow,shetoldParker.Stallhim.ParkerwentbacktothetableandcontinuedtotalktoBourdin.AsBourdinspokeabouthisitinerantlifeinEurope,Parkersays,hefeltsomeguiltforturninghimin.Bourdin,whodespisesParkeranddisputesthedetailsoftheirconversation,accusesthedetectiveofpretendingtohavesolvedthecaseitwasasifParkerhadintrudedintoBourdinsinteriorfictionandgivenhimselfastarringrole.Afteraboutanhour,ParkerdroveBourdinbacktoBeverlysapartment.AsParkerwaspullingaway,Fisherandtheauthoritieswerealreadydescendingonhim.Hesurrenderedquietly.IknewIwasFrdricBourdinagain,hesays.Beverlyreactedlesscalmly.SheturnedandyelledatFisher,Whattookyousolong?ncustody,BourdintoldastorythatseemedasfancifulashistaleofbeingNicholasBarclay.HeallegedthatBeverlyandJasonmayhavebeencomplicitinNicholassdisappearance,andthattheyhadknownfromtheoutsetthatBourdinwaslying.Imagoodimpostor,butImnotthatgood,Bourdintoldme.Ofcourse,theauthoritiescouldnotrelyontheaccountofaknownpathologicalliar.Hetellsninetynineliesandmaybetheonehundredthisthetruth,butyoudontknow,Fishersays.Yettheauthoritieshadtheirownsuspicions.JackStick,whowasafederalprosecutoratthetimeandwholaterservedatermintheTexasHouseofRepresentatives,wasassignedBourdinscase.HeandFisherwonderedwhyBeverlyhadresistedattemptsbytheF.B.I.toinvestigateBourdinspurportedkidnappingand,later,touncoverhisdeception.TheyalsoquestionedwhyshehadnottakenBourdinbacktolivewithher.AccordingtoFisher,CareytoldherthatitwasbecauseitwastooupsettingforBeverly,which,atleasttoFisherandStick,seemedstrange.Youdbesohappytohaveyourchildback,Fishersays.Itwasanotherredflag.FisherandSticktooknoteofthedisturbancesinBeverlyshouseafterNicholashadvanished,andthepolicereportstatingthatBeverlywasscreamingatJasonoverNicholassdisappearance.ThentherewasJasonsclaimthathehadwitnessedNicholasbreakingintothehouse.Noevidencecouldbefoundtobackupthisstartlingstory,andJasonhadmadetheclaimatthetimethatthepolicehadstartedsniffingaround,asStickputit.HeandFishersuspectedthatthestorywasarusemeanttoreinforcetheideathatNicholaswasarunaway.StickandFisherbegantoedgetowardahomicideinvestigation.Iwantedtoknowwhathad5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker19/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=truehappenedtothatlittlekid,Stickrecalls.StickandFishergatheredmoreevidencesuggestingthatBeverlyshomewaspronetoviolence.TheysaythatofficialsatNicholassschoolhadexpressedconcernthatNicholasmightbeanabusedchild,owingtobruisesonhisbody,andthatjustbeforehedisappearedtheofficialshadalertedchildprotectiveservices.AndneighborsnotedthatNicholashadsometimeshitBeverly.Oneday,FisheraskedBeverlytotakeapolygraph.Careyrecalls,Isaid,Mom,dowhatevertheyaskyoutodo.Gotaketheliedetectortest.YoudidntkillNicholas.Soshedid.WhileBeverlywastakingthepolygraph,Fisherwatchedtheproceedingsonavideomonitorinanearbyroom.ThemostimportantquestionwaswhetherBeverlycurrentlyknewthewhereaboutsofNicholas.Shesaidno,twice.ThepolygraphexaminertoldFisherthatBeverlyhadseeminglyansweredtruthfully.WhenFisherexpresseddisbelief,theexaminersaidthatifBeverlywaslying,shehadtobeondrugs.Afterawhile,theexamineradministeredthetestagain,atwhichpointtheeffectsofanypossiblenarcotics,includingmethadone,mighthavewornoff.Thistime,whentheexamineraskedifBeverlyknewNicholasswhereabouts,Fishersays,themachinewentwild,indicatingalie.Sheblewtheinstrumentspracticallyoffthetable,Fishersays.(Falsepositivesarenotuncommoninpolygraphs,andscientistsdisputetheirbasicreliability.)AccordingtoFisher,whentheexaminertoldBeverlythatshehadfailedtheexam,andbeganpressingherwithmorequestions,Beverlyyelled,Idonthavetoputupwiththis,thengotupandranoutthedoor.Icatchher,Fisherrecalls.Isay,Whyareyourunning?Sheisfurious.Shesays,ThisissotypicalofNicholas.Lookatthehellhesputtingmethrough.FishernextwantedtointerviewJason,butheresisted.Whenhefinallyagreedtomeether,severalweeksafterBourdinhadbeenarrested,Fishersays,shehadtopullwordsoutofhim.Theyspokeaboutthefactthathehadnotgonetoseehisallegedbrotherfornearlytwomonths:Isaid,Heresyourbrother,longgone,kidnapped,andarentyoueagertoseehim?Hesaid,Well,no.Isaid,Didhelooklikeyourbrothertoyou?Well,Iguess.Fisherfoundhisresponsesgrudging,anddevelopedaverystrongsuspicionthatJasonhadparticipatedinthedisappearanceofhisbrother.Stick,too,believedthatJasoneitherhadbeeninvolvedinNicholassdisappearanceorhadinformationthatcouldtelluswhathadhappened.FisherevensuspectedthatBeverlyknewwhathadhappenedtoNicholas,andmayhavehelpedcoverupthecrimeinordertoprotectJason.Aftertheinterview,StickandFishersay,Jasonrefusedtospeaktotheauthoritiesagainwithoutalawyerorunlesshewasunderarrest.ButParker,whoasaprivateinvestigatorwasnotboundbythesamelegalrestrictionsasStickandFisher,continuedtopressJason.Onone5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker20/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueSoccasion,heaccusedhimofmurder.Ithinkyoudidit,Parkersayshetoldhim.Idontthinkyoumeanttodoit,butyoudid.Inresponse,Parkersays,Hejustlookedatme.SeveralweeksafterFisherandParkerquestionedJason,ParkerwasdrivingthroughdowntownSanAntonioandsawBeverlyonthesidewalk.Heaskedherifshewantedaride.Whenshegotin,shetoldhimthatJasonhaddiedofanoverdoseofcocaine.Parker,whoknewthatJasonhadbeenoffdrugsformorethanayear,saysthatheaskedifshethoughthehadtakenhislifeonpurpose.Shesaid,Idontknow.Stick,Fisher,andParkersuspectthatitwasasuicide.incethelossofhersons,BeverlyhasstoppedusingdrugsandmovedouttoSpringBranch,whereshelivesinatrailer,helpingawomancareforherseverelyhandicappeddaughter.Recently,sheagreedtotalkwithmeabouttheauthoritiessuspicions.Atfirst,BeverlysaidthatIcoulddriveouttomeether,butlatershetoldmethatthewomansheworkedfordidnotwantvisitors,sowespokebyphone.Oneofhervocalcordshadrecentlybecomeparalyzed,deepeningheralreadylowandgravellyvoice.Parker,whohadfrequentlychattedwithheratthedoughnutshop,hadtoldme,IdontknowwhyIlikedher,butIdid.Shehadthisthousandyardstare.Shelookedlikesomeonewhoselifehadtakeneverythingoutofher.Beverlyansweredmyquestionsforthrightly.Attheairport,shesaid,shehadhungbackbecauseBourdinlookedodd.Sheadded,IfIwentwithmygut,Iwouldhaveknownrightaway.Sheadmittedthatshehadtakendrugsprobablyheroin,methadone,andalcoholbeforethepolygraphexam.Whentheyaccusedme,Ifreakedout,shesaid.Iworkedmyassofftoraisemykids.WhywouldIdosomethingtomykids?Shecontinued,Imnotaviolentperson.Theydidnttalktoanyofmyfriendsorassociates....Itwasjustashotinthedark,toseeifIdadmitsomething.Shealsosaidofherself,Imtheworldsworstliar.Icantlieworthcrap.IaskedherifJasonhadhurtNicholas.Shepausedforamoment,thensaidthatshedidntthinkso.SheacknowledgedthatwhenJasondidcocainehebecametotallywackoacompletelydifferentpersonanditwasscary.Heevenbeatuphisfatheronce,shesaid.ButshenotedthatJasonhadnotbeenaseriousaddictuntilafterNicholasdisappeared.Sheagreedwiththeauthoritiesononepoint:sheplacedlittlecredenceinJasonsreportedsightingofNicholasafterhedisappeared.Jasonwashavingproblemsatthattime,shesaid.IjustdontbelieveNicholascamethere.Aswespoke,IaskedseveraltimeshowshecouldhavebelievedfornearlyfivemonthsthatatwentythreeyearoldFrenchmanwithdyedhair,browneyes,andaEuropeanaccentwasherson.Wejustkeptmakingexcusesthathesdifferentbecauseofallthisuglystuffthathadhappened,shesaid.SheandCareywantedittobehimsobadly.Itwasonlyafterhecametolivewithherthatshehaddoubts.Hejustdidntactlikemyson,Beverlysaid.Icouldnt5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker21/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=truebondwithhim.Ijustdidnthavethatfeeling.Myheartwentoutforhim,butnotlikeamotherswould.Thekidsamessanditssad,andIwouldntwishthatonanybody.Beverlysexperience,asincredibleasitis,doeshaveaprecursoranincidentthathasbeendescribedasoneofthestrangestcasesintheannalsofpolicehistory.(ItisthebasisofaClintEastwoodmovie,Changeling,whichwillbereleasedthisfall.)OnMarch10,1928,anineyearoldboynamedWalterCollinsdisappearedinLosAngeles.Sixmonthslater,afteranationwidemanhunt,aboyshowedupclaimingthathewasWalterandinsistingthathehadbeenkidnapped.ThepolicewerecertainthathewasWalter,andafamilyfriendtestifiedthatthingstheboysaidanddidwouldconvinceanybodythathewasthemissingchild.WhenWaltersmother,Christine,wenttoretrieveherson,however,shedidnotthinkitwashim.Althoughtheauthoritiesandfriendspersuadedhertotakehimhome,shebroughttheboybacktoapolicestationafterafewdays,insisting,Thisisnotmyson.Shelatertestified,Histeethweredifferent,hisvoicewasdifferent....Hisearsweresmaller.Theauthoritiesthoughtthatshemustbesufferingemotionaldistressfromhersonsdisappearance,andhadherinstitutionalizedinapsychiatricward.Eventhen,sherefusedtobudge.Asshetoldapolicecaptain,Onethingamotheroughttoknowwastheidentityofherchild.Eightdayslater,shewasreleased.Evidencesoonemergedthathersonwaslikelymurderedbyaserialkiller,andtheboyclaimingtobehersonconfessedthathewasanelevenyearoldrunawayfromIowawho,inhiswords,thoughtthatitwasfuntobesomebodyyouarent.SpeakingoftheBourdincase,Fishersaidthatonethingwascertain:Beverlyhadtoknowthatwasntherson.Afterseveralmonthsofinvestigation,StickdeterminedthattherewasnoevidencetochargeanyonewithNicholassdisappearance.Therewerenowitnesses,noDNA.AuthoritiescouldnotevensaywhetherNicholaswasdead.StickconcludedthatJasonsoverdosehadallbutprecludedthepossibilitythatauthoritiescoulddeterminewhathadhappenedtoNicholas.OnSeptember9,1998,FrdricBourdinstoodinaSanAntoniocourtroomandpleadedguiltytoperjury,andtoobtainingandpossessingfalsedocuments.Thistime,hisclaimthathewasmerelyseekingloveelicitedoutrage.Carey,whohadanervousbreakdownafterBourdinwasarrested,testifiedbeforehissentencing,saying,Hehaslied,andlied,andliedagain.Andtothisdayhecontinuestolie.Hebearsnoremorse.StickdenouncedBourdinasaflesheatingbacteria,andthejudgecomparedwhatBourdinhaddonegivingafamilythehopethattheirlostchildwasaliveandthenshatteringittomurder.TheonlypersonwhoseemedtohaveanysympathyforBourdinwasBeverly.Shesaidatthetime,Ifeelsorryforhim.Youknow,wegottoknowhim,andthiskidhasbeenthroughhell.Hehasalotofnervoushabits.Shetoldme,Hedidalotofthingsthattookalotofguts,ifyouthinkaboutit.5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker22/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=trueWThejudgesentencedBourdintosixyearsmorethanthreetimeswhatwasrecommendedunderthesentencingguidelines.Bourdintoldthecourtroom,Iapologizetoallthepeopleinmypast,forwhatIhavedone.Iwish,Iwishthatyoubelieveme,butIknowitsimpossible.Whetherhewasinjailornot,headded,Iamaprisonerofmyself.henIlastsawBourdin,thisspring,hislifehadundergoneperhapsitsmostdramatictransformation.HehadmarriedaFrenchwoman,Isabelle,whomhehadmettwoyearsearlier.Inherlatetwenties,Isabellewasslimandprettyandsoftspoken.Shewasstudyingtobealawyer.Avictimoffamilyabuse,shehadseenBourdinontelevision,describinghisownabuseandhisquestforlove,andshehadbeensomovedthatsheeventuallytrackedhimdown.Itoldhimwhatinterestsmeinhislifewasntthewayhebentthetruthbutwhyhedidthatandthethingsthathelookedfor,shesaid.BourdinsaysthatwhenIsabellefirstapproachedhimhethoughtitmustbeajoke,buttheymetinParisandgraduallyfellinlove.Hesaidthathehadneverbeeninarelationshipbefore.Ivealwaysbeenawall,hesaid.Acoldwall.OnAugust8,2007,afterayearofcourtship,theygotmarriedatthetownhallofavillageoutsidePau.BourdinsmothersaysthatFrdricinvitedherandhisgrandfathertotheceremony,buttheydidntgo.Noonebelievedhim,shesays.WhenIsawIsabelle,shewasnearlyeightmonthspregnant.Hopingtoavoidpublicattention,sheandFrdrichadrelocatedtoLeMans,andtheyhadmovedintoasmallonebedroomapartmentinanoldstonebuildingwithwoodfloorsandawindowthatoverlookedaprison.ItremindsmeofwhereIvebeen,Bourdinsaid.Aboxcontainingthepiecesofacriblayonthefloorofthesparselydecoratedlivingroom.Bourdinshairwasnowcropped,andhewasdressedwithoutflamboyance,injeansandasweatshirt.Hetoldmethathehadgotajobintelemarketing.Givenhisskillsatpersuasion,hewasunusuallygoodatit.LetsjustsayImanatural,hesaid.Mostofhisfamilybelievesthatallthesechangesaremerelypartofanotherrole,onethatwillenddisastrouslyforhiswifeandbaby.Youcantjustinventyourselfasafather,hisuncleJeanLucDrouartsaid.Yourenotadadforsixdaysorsixmonths.Itisnotacharacteritisareality.Headded,Ifearforthatchild.Bourdinsmother,Ghislaine,saysthathersonisaliarandwillneverchange.Aftersomanyyearsofplayinganimpostor,BourdinhaslefthisfamilyandmanyauthoritieswiththeconvictionthatthisiswhoFrdricPierreBourdinreallyis:heisachameleon.WithinmonthsofbeingreleasedfromprisonintheUnitedStatesanddeportedtoFrance,inOctober,2003,Bourdinresumedplayingachild.HeevenstoletheidentityofafourteenyearoldmissingFrenchboynamedLoBalley,whohadvanishedalmosteightyearsearlier,onacampingtrip.Thistime,policedidaDNAtestthatquicklyrevealedthatBourdin5/13/12 Serial French child imposter Fr : The New Yorker23/23 www.newyorker.com/reporting/2008/08/11/080811fa_fact_grann?printable=truewaslying.Apsychiatristwhoevaluatedhimconcluded,Theprognosisseemsmorethanworrying....Weareverypessimisticaboutmodifyingthesepersonalitytraits.(Bourdin,whileinprisoninAmerica,beganreadingpsychologytexts,andjotteddowninhisjournalthefollowingpassage:Whenconfrontedwithhismisconductthepsychopathhasenoughfalsesincerityandapparentremorsethatherenewshopeandtrustamonghisaccusers.However,afterseveralrepetitions,hisconvincingshowisfinallyrecognizedforwhatitisashow.)IsabelleissurethatBourdincanchange.Shesaid,Iveseenhimnowfortwoyears,andheisnotthatperson.Atonepoint,BourdintouchedIsabellesstomach.Mybabycanhavethreearmsandthreelegs,hesaid.Itdoesntmatter.Idontneedmychildtobeperfect.AllIwantisthatthischildfeelslove.Hedidnotcarewhathisfamilythought.Theyaremyshelter,hesaidofhiswifeandsoontobechild.Noonecantakethatfromme.Amonthlater,Bourdincalledandtoldmethathiswifehadgivenbirth.Itsagirl,hesaid.HeandIsabellehadnamedherAthena,fortheGreekgoddess.Imreallyafather,hesaid.Iaskedifhehadbecomeanewperson.Foramoment,hefellsilent.Thenhesaid,No,thisiswhoIam.SubscribenowtogetmoreofTheNewYorker'ssignaturemixofpolitics,culture,andthearts.