Dominique Pélicot, already serving a 20-year prison sentence for the horrific abuse of his ex-wife, is now under investigation for additional rape and murder cases dating back to the 1990s. Pélicot, whose crimes shocked France, may be linked to previously unsolved cases, raising further concerns about his criminal history.
Authorities have reopened two cold cases: the 1991 murder of real estate agent Sophie Narme in Paris and the attempted armed rape of another real estate agent in Villeparisis in 1999. Pélicot denies any involvement in Narme’s death but admits to meeting the second victim, though he disputes the charge of attempted rape. His lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, claims he is cooperating with the investigation while maintaining his innocence regarding Narme’s case.
Since October 2022, Pélicot has been under formal investigation, a status granted when substantial evidence suggests a suspect’s involvement. Lawyer Florence Rault, representing Narme’s family and the 1999 survivor, has emphasized the striking similarities between the two cases. She pointed out that both victims shared nearly identical profiles and were approached using similar methods. Given these factors, Rault believes a deeper probe is necessary to determine Pélicot’s full criminal scope.
In September 2022, the specialized cold-case and serial crimes unit in Nanterre took over the investigations, merging them into one case. This move reflects the authorities’ belief that Pélicot may have been involved in multiple offenses over a long period. While his defense insists that he has no ties to Narme’s murder, forensic evidence places him at the scene of the 1999 incident, where DNA traces were recovered. Pélicot has admitted to an altercation with the woman but denies any intent of sexual assault.
These new investigations add to Pélicot’s already horrifying criminal record. From 2011, over nearly a decade, he drugged his then-wife, Gisèle Pélicot, and invited men he met online to sexually assault her while she was unconscious. Pélicot recorded the abuse in thousands of images and videos, storing them in personal files labeled with chilling descriptions. Fifty men were convicted alongside him, marking one of France’s most harrowing sexual abuse cases.
Gisèle Pélicot’s bravery in bringing the case to light earned her national and international admiration. Despite the trauma, she insisted on a public trial, ensuring that justice was served. The evidence revealed a disturbing level of premeditation and depravity, shaking the nation and prompting discussions on victim protection and legal reforms.
As Pélicot faces renewed questioning, investigators aim to uncover the full extent of his crimes. The case highlights the importance of re-examining cold cases, ensuring that those responsible for heinous acts do not escape justice. If Pélicot’s involvement in these additional crimes is confirmed, it could extend his prison sentence and bring long-awaited closure to the victims’ families.
For now, authorities continue to piece together the truth, determined to bring justice to those who suffered at the hands of a man whose crimes may have spanned decades.
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