Man arrested over 20 years after murder

A 77-year-old man was placed in custody more than 20 years after the murder of Chantal Seguineau, an agricultural worker found dead in 2006 in Saint-Martin-du-Bois, Gironde, according to the Nanterre prosecutor's office. The arrest was part of a judicial investigation launched by the serial or unsolved crimes section of the Nanterre court, focusing on the charge of murder.

Victim found with bound hands and head wounds

Chantal Seguineau's body was discovered on May 3, 2006, after extensive searches in the area. She was last seen working in the vineyards where she was employed. Her body was found near a departmental road, lying face down with her hands tied behind her back with a rope. An autopsy revealed multiple wounds on the back of her head.

Case transferred to cold-case unit in 2022

An investigation for "murder" was initially opened by the Libourne prosecutor's office in 2006. The case was later transferred to the cold-case unit in Nanterre in 2022, where it remained under review for years. This move was seen as a significant development in the effort to solve the case.

Family lawyer reacts to arrest

Me Mathilde Livenais, the lawyer of Josiane Hocdé, the sister of the victim, had previously told Ouest-France that the transfer to the Nanterre cold-case unit was a "real boost for the investigation." On Tuesday, October 13, she confirmed she had been informed of the man's arrest but declined to comment further at this stage.