Second Suspect Indicted in Angers Train Station Homicide
On Friday, a second suspect was indicted in the investigation into the brutal murder of a young man at the Angers train station in early January, according to Eric Bouillard, the public prosecutor of Angers.
On January 2, a 23-year-old man was savagely attacked by several individuals, who struck him repeatedly with a hammer and a knife. He succumbed to his injuries shortly after.
"The investigation has determined that, for reasons apparently unrelated to drug trafficking, a group of four individuals had been planning this crime for several days," Bouillard stated in a press release.
Following the arrest of an initial suspect on February 1 in Marseille, who was subsequently indicted and placed in pre-trial detention, the Angers national police successfully located and apprehended a second suspect in Angers.
The second suspect, believed to be the assailant who wielded the knife, partially admitted to the charges during police custody, Bouillard revealed. He has been indicted for murder committed by an organized group and also placed in pre-trial detention.
The search for the remaining two suspects continues under the supervision of the investigating magistrate, assisted by the Angers judicial police.
Details of the Attack and Investigation
The victim, who was not immediately identified, was attacked in the early hours of January 2 in the concourse of the Angers train station. According to witnesses, a group of four individuals approached him and began punching and kicking him.
One of the attackers then allegedly produced a hammer and struck the victim in the head, causing severe injuries. Another individual reportedly brandished a knife and stabbed the victim multiple times.
The victim collapsed on the ground, and the assailants fled the scene. He was rushed to a local hospital but died from his injuries a short time later.
The attack was captured by surveillance cameras, providing investigators with valuable footage. Police were able to identify the four suspects involved based on their physical appearance and clothing.
The First Suspect
The first suspect, a 24-year-old man from Marseille, was arrested on February 1. He was identified through surveillance footage and witness statements.
During questioning, the suspect admitted to participating in the attack and claimed that the victim had owed him money from a drug deal. However, police have not found any evidence to support this claim.
The Second Suspect
The second suspect, a 25-year-old man from Angers, was arrested on Friday, February 3. He was identified through further investigation and cross-referencing with the footage from the train station.
In his initial statement to police, the second suspect partially admitted to the charges. He allegedly claimed that he participated in the attack but denied inflicting the fatal injuries.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into the murder is ongoing, with the remaining two suspects still at large. Police are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with information to come forward.
The motive for the attack remains unclear, and authorities are continuing to explore all possible leads. Bouillard emphasized that the investigation is complex and time-consuming, but that all efforts are being made to apprehend the remaining suspects and bring justice to the victim’s family.
