The Serpent Unveiled: Charles Sobhraj, the Noted Serial Killer, Speaks Up

Convicted serial killer Charles Sobhraj, who terrorized Asia's "hippie trail" in the 1970s, shares his story in a new televised interview, claiming innocence.

Charles Sobhraj, the enigmatic serial killer known as "The Serpent," has emerged from behind prison bars to share his perspective in a new televised interview. Accused of murdering numerous Western tourists during the 1970s, Sobhraj has vehemently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining his innocence amidst overwhelming evidence.

In the eyes of retired detective chief inspector Jackie Malton of the United Kingdom's Metropolitan Police, Sobhraj was once a ruthless and heartless individual. "He exhibited a complete lack of empathy," Malton recalls. Throughout the 1970s, Sobhraj's reign of terror spread across Asia, leaving a string of victims in his wake.

The Serpent Unveiled: Charles Sobhraj, the Noted Serial Killer, Speaks Up

In 2004, Sobhraj faced justice for his crimes when he was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of American tourist Connie Jo Bronzich. A decade later, he was also found guilty of killing her Canadian companion, Laurent Carrière.

After serving 19 years of his life sentence, Sobhraj was released from prison in Nepal in December 2022 due to health concerns and good behavior. The Supreme Court ordered his release upon considering his heart disease and the fact that he had served over 75% of his term.

The Serpent Unveiled: Charles Sobhraj, the Noted Serial Killer, Speaks Up

Sobhraj agreed to an interview with Peacock's "World's Most Notorious Killers," which will premiere on September 17th. In the interview, he attempts to portray himself as an innocent man, despite substantial evidence presented to him by a team of criminal profilers, researchers, and psychologists.

Malton met with Sobhraj this year after spending time studying his case. She found him vastly different from his younger self. "He's very polite, very respectful," Malton says. "He doesn't fit the mold of a typical serial killer."

The Serpent Unveiled: Charles Sobhraj, the Noted Serial Killer, Speaks Up

Despite his convictions, Sobhraj continues to deny any involvement in the murders he is accused of. In an interview with French newspaper Le Monde, he declared, "I've used quite a few stolen passports, but I've never killed anyone, and I'll prove it."

The release of Sobhraj has sparked controversy, with some questioning the justice of his early release. His case has also been the subject of numerous books and documentaries, including Netflix's "The Serpent."

The Serpent Unveiled: Charles Sobhraj, the Noted Serial Killer, Speaks Up

Following his release from prison, Sobhraj returned to France, where he now lives as a free man. His story remains a puzzle, and his claims of innocence continue to face scrutiny. The true nature of his crimes and the extent of his involvement remain subjects of debate.