France - 5 shot, 4 dead in French Alps, may have int'l ramifications, 2012 #2

[crazychris]

In most cases, an assassin doesn't kill everyone at the scene, including female relatives and potentially a small child if he hadn't run out of ammunition.

They do if they want to do a clean expert job and leave absolutely no witnesses. Strange that he didn't kill the older girl. Maybe he did have a heart.

 

[crazychris]

In most cases, an assassin doesn't kill everyone at the scene, including female relatives and potentially a small child if he hadn't run out of ammunition.

They do if they want to do a clean job and leave no witnesses. Strange that he didn't kill the older girl. Maybe he did have a heart. She lives with a relative now at an undisclosed location and both girls had armed police bodyguards at first. Not sure if they still do.

 

[ZaZara]

I did read somewhere that it's not a busy road at all. You can have 2 or 3 vehicles and/or cyclists pass through near together then nothing for an hour or two. So anyone waiting could have quite a long wait.

For motorized traffic, with the exception of the vehicles of forest workers and farmers, the road ends at the small parking area.

A cyclist has no reason to stop there, cyclists can continue on their way.

If a shooter was waiting there for a target, IMO it is more logical to assume that he was waiting for a car to arrive, most likely tourists wanting to go for a walk.

If he had wanted to shoot just anyone, why not aim at the forest workers nearby? Possibly because he was a local and did not want to attack those of his own 'tribe'?

 

[ZaZara]

We're lucky! I thought this was behind a paywall, but it only takes your willingness to watch one commercial and there it is. The interview with the departing Prosecutor dates from September 4, 2021.

Tuerie de Chevaline : pourquoi les enquêteurs butent encore sur cette énigme judiciaire hors norme



More than 80 volumes, thousands of documents. The Chevaline case file is undeniably "extraordinary". And, nine years after the mysterious massacre, it is still "active" and "no one has given up," Véronique Denizot underlines. She worked on this investigation for five years at the head of the Annecy public prosecutor's office. Before her departure this summer, the prosecutor agreed to take stock of the situation.

The judicial investigation that opened in 2012, is in the hands of two investigating judges in Annecy. A group from the Chambéry investigation unit (SR) is continuing the investigation in conjunction with a British team.

One of the challenges of the last few years was to "keep the records" of the case. "The SR has done what was necessary to make sure that its historical investigators and the new ones are in contact with each other," Véronique Denizot explains. A handover at a time when some gendarmes have been transferred or have retired. The same handover at the public prosecutor's office took place between Véronique Denizot and Line Bonnet-Mathis, who took up her post on 1 September. "There will be no loss of knowledge", she assures us. It was also necessary to keep the most detailed picture possible of the crime scene. New technical findings were made, including a model of the Combe d'Ire.

On the investigation side, the file was "completely revised" from 2019, with certain points rechecked or re-examined with the new tools in the investigators' possession. The leads opened in 2012 had already been closed one after the other.

Today, the "local lead" is the preferred one. None of the other hypotheses, such as that of a hired killer, have been successful. "The crime benefits no one, that's why it's difficult, because in fact it's a crime without a motive," analyses Véronique Denizot, ruling out a whole series of motives (professional, espionage, sentimental, money or family). The cyclist Sylvain Mollier and the Al-Hilli family would therefore have found themselves there "at the wrong time."

But the main piece of the puzzle is still missing: the shooter. "We don't know who was there and, for the moment, we have no means of identifying him as such. On the other hand, the investigators know that he was alone and have constructed a sequence of events. "We know how the killer could have proceeded, but how he got there, where he came from, how he left, where he left from, at what time, we don't know."

The author of the crimes might therefore have been "disturbed in what he was doing there," and felt that "Mr Mollier and the Al-Hilli family saw something they were not supposed to see." Also, Véronique Denizot evoked "a necessarily particular personality," who knew how to handle weapons, capable of killing in cold blood.

Will the case ever be solved?

In any case, Véronique Denizot wants to believe it. "I remain convinced that this case can be solved by a stroke of luck, by a denunciation, by a repentance, by something," she confides. Legal cases have been resolved a long time later.

It could come one day from a psychological profile that matches the killer or a DNA reading that "matches" a suspect. Not to mention that the investigators still receive reports, but also phone calls from colleagues working on other cases elsewhere in France. And then, systematic checks are carried out when an old weapon appears in an investigation in Haute-Savoie.

"The passage of time is working against us", Véronique Denizot admits, "but there is no reason why we shouldn't find something."


BBM


"The crime benefits no one"

 

[Ellmau]

"The crime benefits no one"

Well, as far as we know.

 

[Snoopster]

We're lucky! I thought this was behind a paywall, but it only takes your willingness to watch one commercial and there it is. The interview with the departing Prosecutor dates from September 4, 2021.

Tuerie de Chevaline : pourquoi les enquêteurs butent encore sur cette énigme judiciaire hors norme



More than 80 volumes, thousands of documents. The Chevaline case file is undeniably "extraordinary". And, nine years after the mysterious massacre, it is still "active" and "no one has given up," Véronique Denizot underlines. She worked on this investigation for five years at the head of the Annecy public prosecutor's office. Before her departure this summer, the prosecutor agreed to take stock of the situation.

The judicial investigation that opened in 2012, is in the hands of two investigating judges in Annecy. A group from the Chambéry investigation unit (SR) is continuing the investigation in conjunction with a British team.

One of the challenges of the last few years was to "keep the records" of the case. "The SR has done what was necessary to make sure that its historical investigators and the new ones are in contact with each other," Véronique Denizot explains. A handover at a time when some gendarmes have been transferred or have retired. The same handover at the public prosecutor's office took place between Véronique Denizot and Line Bonnet-Mathis, who took up her post on 1 September. "There will be no loss of knowledge", she assures us. It was also necessary to keep the most detailed picture possible of the crime scene. New technical findings were made, including a model of the Combe d'Ire.

On the investigation side, the file was "completely revised" from 2019, with certain points rechecked or re-examined with the new tools in the investigators' possession. The leads opened in 2012 had already been closed one after the other.

Today, the "local lead" is the preferred one. None of the other hypotheses, such as that of a hired killer, have been successful. "The crime benefits no one, that's why it's difficult, because in fact it's a crime without a motive," analyses Véronique Denizot, ruling out a whole series of motives (professional, espionage, sentimental, money or family). The cyclist Sylvain Mollier and the Al-Hilli family would therefore have found themselves there "at the wrong time."

But the main piece of the puzzle is still missing: the shooter. "We don't know who was there and, for the moment, we have no means of identifying him as such. On the other hand, the investigators know that he was alone and have constructed a sequence of events. "We know how the killer could have proceeded, but how he got there, where he came from, how he left, where he left from, at what time, we don't know."

The author of the crimes might therefore have been "disturbed in what he was doing there," and felt that "Mr Mollier and the Al-Hilli family saw something they were not supposed to see." Also, Véronique Denizot evoked "a necessarily particular personality," who knew how to handle weapons, capable of killing in cold blood.

Will the case ever be solved?

In any case, Véronique Denizot wants to believe it. "I remain convinced that this case can be solved by a stroke of luck, by a denunciation, by a repentance, by something," she confides. Legal cases have been resolved a long time later.

It could come one day from a psychological profile that matches the killer or a DNA reading that "matches" a suspect. Not to mention that the investigators still receive reports, but also phone calls from colleagues working on other cases elsewhere in France. And then, systematic checks are carried out when an old weapon appears in an investigation in Haute-Savoie.

"The passage of time is working against us", Véronique Denizot admits, "but there is no reason why we shouldn't find something."


BBM


"The crime benefits no one"

Unfortunately it sounds like it will be due to a stroke of luck if this case is ever solved.

Thank you for your continued dedication to this case @ZaZara.

 

[ZaZara]

Another piece of the interview with the departing Prosecutor, from September 4. Hidden behind the same paywall that opens when you watch a commercial.

Tuerie de Chevaline : que deviennent les fillettes Al-Hilli?

Chevaline massacre: what happened to the Al-Hilli girls?

They are the only survivors of the Chevaline massacre. Zainab and Zeena, now 13 and 16, are now living in England, where they are being cared for by their family. In September 2020, the Annecy prosecutor Véronique Denizot announced that they were to be re-interviewed by British investigators. When she left her post at the end of July, the former Annecy magistrate did not wish to give further details. "I am not communicating any more about the hearing," she replied, explaining that "the family that takes care of these children remains understandably worried as long as we have not clarified this case."

However, Véronique Denizot urges caution. "We must not get our hopes up too much, as the children's hearing could come up empty," she confided. The two girls were indeed very young at the time of the events and nine years have passed since then.

However, the two teenagers were seen by an expert within the framework of the commission for compensation of victims of crime (Civi). "They are foreigners, but they were victims on French territory, hence they are entitled to compensation for their losses from the victims' compensation guarantee fund," Véronique Denizot tells.

The results of the expertise are reassuring. "They are doing well today, I think, (...) as well as possible given what they have experienced, one physically and psychologically, the other only psychologically."


BBM

 

[Ched]

Suspect arrested over murder of Brit family in French Alps in 10-year cold case

 

[MrsWatson]

French police re-arrest suspect over 2012 gun massacre of British family in the Alps | Daily Mail Online

In a dramatic development to what many had considered a cold case, a prosecuting source in Annecy, eastern France, on Wednesday confirmed that ‘a man was placed in custody at 8.05am and is being questioned at length’ in relation to the savage attack in the Alps.

Police are examining inconsistencies in the unnamed man's original testimony and checking out his alibi,’ said the source.

 

[TootsieFootsie]

Wow!

 

[TootsieFootsie]

My guess is it's connected to the cyclist who died and the family was just there at the wrong time.

 

[ZaZara]

Official press notice from the investigating judge:
https://twitter.com/ProcAnnecy

Fingers crossed they get it right this time.....

 

[katydid23]

French police re-arrest suspect over 2012 gun massacre of British family in the Alps | Daily Mail Online

French police re-arrest suspect over 2012 gun massacre of British family in the Alps after 'discovering inconsistencies' in his statement

• Suspect arrested over the deaths of British family, French cyclist nine years ago
• Al-Hilli family and Sylvain Mollier were gunned down in Chevaline, French Alps
• The Al-Hillis' daughters Zeena, four, and Zainab, seven, survived the massacre
• Suspect was arrested before, police are now re-checking his original statement

French police have re-arrested a suspect in connection with the 2012 gun massacre of a British family and French cyclist in the Alps after 'discovering inconsistencies' in his statement.

In a dramatic development to what many had considered a cold case, a prosecuting source in Annecy, eastern France, on Wednesday confirmed that 'a man was placed in custody at 8.05am and is being questioned at length' in relation to the savage attack in the Alps.

Police are examining inconsistencies in the unnamed man's original testimony and checking out his alibi,' said the source.

Annecy prosecutor Line Bonnet said in a statement: 'A person was taken into custody on January 12, 2022 at 8:05 am by investigators from Chambery in connection with the assassination of the Al-Hilli family and Sylvain Mollier.'

He was said to be 'living in a couple' of houses in the Lyon area, and searches of his home and nearby properties were continuing.

 

[MrsWatson]

Man arrested over 2012 killing of British family and French cyclist in Alps

 

[Officer Dibble]

French police re-arrest suspect over 2012 gun massacre of British family in the Alps | Daily Mail Online

In a dramatic development to what many had considered a cold case, a prosecuting source in Annecy, eastern France, on Wednesday confirmed that ‘a man was placed in custody at 8.05am and is being questioned at length’ in relation to the savage attack in the Alps.

Police are examining inconsistencies in the unnamed man's original testimony and checking out his alibi,’ said the source.

oh! That (BBM) is very telling! Could it be the other cyclist they are alluding to? JMO MOO

 

[Skigh]

The Guardian link posted above stated that earlier in the enquiry.

A passing motorcyclist from Lyon was also traced and ruled out of the inquiry.


The latest arrest is of a person living in Lyons so I am wondering if it is the motor cyclist.

 

[Skigh]

French police re-arrest suspect over 2012 gun massacre of British family in the Alps | Daily Mail Online


Meanwhile in November 2015 a motorcyclist linked with the murders was ruled out of the investigation. One lead in tracing the man was that he was wearing an unusual helmet, only a few thousand of which had been made.

But the motorcyclist said he had been on his way home after a paragliding trip, and was ruled out of the enquiry. It was described at the time as a major setback for police who had focused much of their attention on the motorcyclist.

 

[MrsWatson]

It sure sounds like it could be the motorcyclist, doesn't it?

 

[ZaZara]

oh! That (BBM) is very telling! Could it be the other cyclist they are alluding to? JMO MOO

IMO no. If you are referring to the British cyclist - the elder daughter surely would have recognized him.
Also, he is said to have a 'nearby holiday home'. Sudinfo.be published this picture of an alleged search going on at a house. It looks more residential than holiday to me.

I am wondering about the man on the motorcycle too, but it may be someone we have never heard of.

 

[helenff]

Another old case with new information today. I hope we find out some more details soon.