Alois Estermann

Alois Estermann
Born(1954-10-02)2 October 1954
Gunzwil, Canton of Lucerne, Switzerland
Died4 May 1998(1998-05-04) (aged 43)
Vatican City
Cause of deathMurder
Allegiance Vatican City
Service / branchSwiss Guard
Spouse(s)Gladys Meza Romero

Alois Estermann (29 October 1954 – 4 May 1998) was a Swiss military officer. He served as the 31st Commander of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. Estermann and his wife were murdered in his apartment in Vatican City on 4 May 1998, the same day he was confirmed in his position after serving as acting commander for several months. His murderer, Vice Corporal Cédric Tornay, then killed himself. Estermann's death spawned numerous conspiracy theories.