Robin Dussein / Photo credit: Alain JOCARD / AFP
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7:51 p.m., December 26, 2023
A mother and her four children were found dead Monday evening in an apartment in Meaux in Seine-et-Marne. The father, who suffered from psychiatric disorders, was arrested in Sevran, then placed in police custody. In the Beauval district, where the tragedy took place, shock and incomprehension predominate.
Some bouquets of flowers and candles were left this Tuesday in the Beauval district of Meaux, in Seine-et-Marne. It is here that a mother and her four children were found dead Monday evening. The father, the main suspect, was arrested in the morning in Sevran, in Seine-et-Marne, then placed in police custody. He suffered, according to the first elements of the investigation, from psychiatric disorders and had already stabbed his wife in 2019.
In the neighborhood, the residents, stunned, share their desolation. But also their incomprehension. It is difficult for them to imagine such a tragedy occurring in this supposedly peaceful area. “It’s true that it’s a shock, we’re not going to lie. Especially since our square had the reputation of being calm, with only friendly people. And, now, it’s true that the atmosphere is really freezing”, confides Mélina, out to walk her dog.
“He didn’t speak”
At their window, neighbors take a look at the unusual activity. Others, like Antonio, go there to light a candle in memory of the victims. “Of their family, I only knew her and the children. His wife talked a lot with the neighbors and she liked to interact with people. We didn’t expect that.”
They all describe a young woman full of life, pleasant and smiling. A pleasant character, the opposite of that of her husband, according to this resident. “He didn’t speak, not even a hello. I never saw him with a friend, it was always his wife and his children. Apart from that, nothing at all.” The residents of Beauval are now waiting for the suspect to be tried as soon as possible.