Sentence for fire-setting crime

A 21-year-old man named Rayan C. was sentenced to five years in prison, with one year suspended, by the Lyon judicial court during an immediate hearing on October 21. The hearing took place in the 14th chamber of the court in a full courtroom.

Charges and incident details

Rayan C. is being prosecuted for "destruction of another person's property using a dangerous method for people, in recidivism." The incident occurred on August 25, around 1:30 a.m., in a building on Jules-Guesde Street in Villeurbanne, where the doormat and doorstop of an apartment were intentionally set on fire.

Evidence and threats

According to elements presented during the hearing, super fuel may have been used to start the fire. The door has still not been repaired, forcing the occupants to place a piece of furniture to keep it closed. The investigation relied in part on videos shared in a Snapchat group.

Threats and identification

A family friend of the victims received three videos in which a person threatens to set fire to the door. In one of them, a white can is visible. "You are all going to burn, you bastards," is heard in one of the sequences. When the girl from the family asks who is in the videos, a response was reportedly given: "It's Rayan, you whore."

Personal relationship and denial

The core issue involves a several-month romantic relationship with the girl from the family that was the victim of the fire. The relationship is described as "harmful" and "very conflictual." Rayan C. denies, however, having had a relationship with her.

Search and evidence

During a search at the young man's residence, investigators found a semi-automatic handgun, a lighter similar to the one visible in the videos, and the same shoes worn in the images. A destroyed apartment in a deliberate fire in Villeurbanne.

Defendant's behavior

The defendant irritates the court president. Before the judges, Rayan C. strongly contests the accusations. "I have nothing to say. It wasn't me," he states. When questioned about the Snapchat account "Lerisque69," used to share the videos, he maintains his position: "I have no explanation, it wasn't me."

Criminal history and legal status

His criminal record includes several convictions, including receiving stolen property, drug-related offenses, violence, and insult. In 2026, he was sentenced to three months in prison for receiving stolen property and refusing to comply. He was released from detention on August 20, five days before the incident for which he is being prosecuted.

Personal circumstances

Unemployed, he states he is in a disabled situation due to a hip prosthesis. He was also under judicial supervision since February. "He does not measure the seriousness of the facts."

Prosecution's arguments

At the hearing, the public prosecutor criticizes the defendant's attitude. "The court bores Mr. C. He does not measure the seriousness of the facts," she states. She also recalls the tragedy that occurred in Décines in May last year, which cost three lives, to highlight the potentially dramatic consequences of a deliberate fire in a building.

Prosecution's demands

The prosecution requests five years in prison, one year of which suspended, as well as a ban on appearing in Villeurbanne, possession of a weapon, and contact with the victim's family. A care obligation is also requested.

Defense's arguments

On the other hand, Rayan C.'s lawyer requests an acquittal. "The Snapchat exchanges are not clear. On the videos, one cannot recognize his voice with only three short words," he argues. He also highlights his client's health condition and opposes a ban on residing in Villeurbanne, where he lives.

Court's decision

The court finally sentenced Rayan C. to five years in prison, one year of which suspended. It also imposes a care obligation, a ban on appearing in Villeurbanne, possession of a weapon, and contact with the victim's family.

Next steps

The compensation for the victims will be examined during a new hearing scheduled for February 2027, in the presence of the civil party, who was absent during the trial.