Justice Ministry Investigates Handling of 2010 DNA Evidence in Light of Pelicot Case
The French Minister of Justice, Gérald Darmanin, has launched an investigation into why critical DNA evidence, linking Dominique Pelicot to a 1999 attempted rape case, was not pursued by authorities back in 2010. Darmanin has tasked the Inspection Générale de la Justice (IGJ), the General Inspectorate of Justice, with determining the reasons behind the apparent oversight. The investigation was prompted by revelations that surfaced during Pelicot’s recent trial, which concluded in December 2024.
The investigation, initially reported by RTL and officially mandated by Darmanin on Wednesday, aims to ascertain the validity of allegations regarding malfunctions or failures within the judicial system. These alleged issues are believed to have occurred around the time Pelicot’s DNA was initially flagged in connection to previous unresolved cases. The IGJ is expected to deliver its findings by July 31st.
The impetus for this inquiry stems from the deeply disturbing crimes for which Dominique Pelicot was ultimately convicted. He received a 20-year prison sentence in December for drugging his wife, Gisèle, with the intention of sexually assaulting her and subsequently delivering her to numerous unknown individuals in Mazan, a town in the Vaucluse region, between 2011 and 2020. The details of the case sent shockwaves across France, highlighting the vulnerability of individuals within their own homes and the potential for long-term, undetected abuse.
During the trial, information came to light regarding an incident in 2010 when Pelicot was apprehended in a shopping center for filming under women’s skirts. This led to the collection of his DNA. Crucially, this DNA was later identified as a match to traces found in two separate, previously unsolved criminal investigations.
Specifically, the letter of mission outlining the IGJ’s task highlights that Pelicot’s DNA was linked to an "unknown" trace discovered in a case involving an attempted rape in Villeparisis on May 11, 1999. Furthermore, his DNA also matched evidence from a murder and rape case that occurred in Paris in 1991. These were serious crimes, the kind that typically command significant investigative resources.
Despite these DNA matches, which offered a potential lead in long-dormant investigations, no apparent action was taken at the time. The implications of this inaction are substantial. The victims of these unsolved crimes, or their families, were deprived of potential justice, and a dangerous individual was allowed to remain free, potentially perpetrating further crimes.
It wasn’t until January of this year that Pelicot was formally charged in connection with both the 1999 attempted rape and the 1991 murder and rape, thanks to the work of an investigating judge specializing in "cold cases" within the Nanterre judicial district. These "cold case" units are dedicated to re-examining unsolved crimes, often utilizing advancements in forensic technology and investigative techniques to uncover new leads.
While Pelicot has confessed to the 1999 attempted rape in Villeparisis, he continues to deny any involvement in the 1991 murder in Paris. The ongoing investigation into these older cases will undoubtedly be complex, requiring a thorough review of evidence, witness statements, and forensic analysis.
The investigation ordered by Darmanin is not simply an exercise in assigning blame. Its primary goal is to understand the systemic failures that led to the DNA matches being overlooked or disregarded in 2010. The IGJ will likely examine factors such as:
- Communication breakdowns: Were the relevant authorities notified of the DNA matches in a timely and effective manner?
- Resource allocation: Were sufficient resources allocated to investigate the older cases, given the new DNA evidence?
- Data management: Were the DNA databases and matching systems functioning correctly?
- Prioritization of cases: How were cases prioritized, and why were the older cases apparently not given the attention they deserved after the DNA links were established?
- Training and procedures: Were the relevant personnel adequately trained on how to interpret and act upon DNA evidence?
The findings of the IGJ report will be crucial in identifying areas for improvement within the French judicial system. Addressing any systemic weaknesses will be essential to prevent similar oversights from occurring in the future. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that DNA evidence is utilized effectively to solve crimes, bring perpetrators to justice, and provide closure for victims and their families. The case of Dominique Pelicot underscores the importance of diligence, collaboration, and a commitment to utilizing all available resources in the pursuit of justice. The French public will be keenly awaiting the outcome of this investigation and the reforms that may follow.
