Laval: Man confesses to strangling his ex-partner; murder investigation opened

A 32-year-old man has confessed to killing his 39-year-old ex-partner, who was found dead on June 4 in an apartment in Laval, Mayenne. Arrested Thursday in Paris after contacting the police himself, he admitted during questioning to strangling the victim. Initial forensic findings confirmed that the death was indeed due to strangulation.

The discovery of the victim's body immediately led investigators to focus on her former partner, from whom she had been separated for several months. The investigation conducted in the hours following the tragedy quickly located the suspect. He was arrested at Montparnasse train station in Paris after leaving Laval by train and reporting his presence to the police with the intention of surrendering.

The suspect claims it was a defensive act.

During questioning, the man admitted to the crime, claiming he acted during an altercation with his ex-partner. According to his statements, he strangled the victim in self-defense. Investigators are continuing their inquiries to determine the precise sequence of events and establish the exact circumstances of the death.

The Laval prosecutor's office clarified that no prior domestic violence proceedings had been recorded concerning this couple. However, the accused had already been convicted of offenses unrelated to this case, including driving without a license and theft.

The investigation has now been entrusted to the judicial authorities in Le Mans.

Given the criminal nature of the acts, the Laval public prosecutor's office relinquished the case to the Le Mans public prosecutor's office. A judicial inquiry was opened for the murder of a spouse, allowing for the appointment of an investigating judge to continue the investigation. The suspect was to be brought before an investigating magistrate so that the legal proceedings could be decided.

The tragedy leaves behind three children aged 11, 9, and 5. This case comes at a time when domestic violence remains a major concern in France. According to the latest official statistics, 107 women were killed by their partner or ex-partner in 2024, an 11% increase compared to the previous year.