Villeneuve-sur-Lot: Investigation launched after man found dead

Police have launched a homicide investigation after the body of a 78-year-old man was discovered in a rural home near Villeneuve-sur-Lot, Lot-et-Garonne, on Friday, October 23.

Officers arrived at the residence around 1:00 PM following a report. The victim was found with his hands and feet bound with electrical cables and mower starter cords, his mouth gagged with a sweater, and a belt around his neck. Investigators noted signs of a struggle, including facial injuries and a partially ransacked home. A window appeared to have been forced open, and a long gun belonging to the victim is missing.

While a missing weapon and signs of entry were noted, authorities stated that current findings do not yet establish a motive or the exact sequence of events. It has not been confirmed if the incident was a burglary. The victim was unknown to police services. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine the exact cause of death, with preliminary estimates suggesting the death may have occurred approximately 24 hours prior to discovery.