‘Cannibal Cop’ Hired As Jailhouse Cook [Report]
The “cannibal cop” is reportedly working as a jailhouse cook. In March 2013, Gilberto Valle was found guilty of conspiring to kidnap, kill, and eat several women. He is currently incarcerated at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Correctional Center. Although his new title may seem ironic, his mother said he loves his job.
A former NYPD officer, Gilberto acknowledges fantasizing about killing and eating women. However, he never intended to follow through with his fantasies. Authorities admit nobody was physically harmed, but Gilberto’s behavior suggests he planned to commit an actual crime.
The former officer’s fetish was revealed by his estranged wife Kathleen Mangan. While searching Her husband’s internet history, Mangan discovered he had a disturbing obsession.
Gilberto Valle frequented websites, forums, and chat rooms, which specialize in cannibalism fantasies. Mangan was stunned. She immediately contacted authorities and surrendered her husband’s computer as evidence.
As reported by ABC News, authorities discovered the “cannibal cop” openly discussed his fantasies in public and private internet forums. In a particularly graphic exchange, Gilberto stated that he “was thinking of tying her body onto some kind of apparatus… cook her over a low heat… keep her alive as long as possible.”
Authorities were specifically concerned, as Gilberto identified and kept files on “at least 100 women.” Even more disturbing, the former officer reportedly used police databases to collect personal information about his potential victims.
Although his fetish is indeed unusual and frightening, Gilberto insists he never intended to harm anyone.
Elizabeth Valle said her son is guilty of one thing: “being stupid enough to be on that website.” Elizabeth argued that Gilberto is “not the monster they portray him to be… he’s innocent.”
As the “cannibal cop” awaits sentencing, he is working as a jailhouse cook. Elizabeth said Gilberto’s fellow inmates like to joke about the irony of his position, making comments like “don’t stand too close to the oven.” As reported by Daily News, he has “mastered making pizzas,” which the other inmates enjoy.
Defense attorney Julia L. Gatto plans to appeal Gilberto’s conviction. She said the prosecution simply did not prove their case:
“This was a thought prosecution… These are thoughts, very ugly thoughts, but we don’t prosecute people for their thoughts. And we’ll continue to appeal and continue to fight for Mr. Valle.”
Although Gilberto Valle thought about and discussed heinous crimes, nobody was physically harmed. Elizabeth said she and her son are trying to remain optimistic. As he awaits his sentencing and appeal, the “cannibal cop” plans to continue working as a jailhouse cook.
[Image via NYMag]
