# Homicide investigations in France

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/homicide-investigations-in-france
> Updated: 2026-10-28T16:38:49.000Z. Sources: 17. Developments: 2.

Authorities in France have launched separate investigations into several violent deaths occurring in October 2026.

In Villeneuve-sur-Lot, police are investigating the death of a 78-year-old man found in a rural home on October 23. The victim was discovered with his hands and feet bound, his mouth gagged, and a belt around his neck. Investigators noted signs of a struggle and a partially ransacked residence, noting that a long gun belonging to the victim is missing.

In Lebetain, a judicial inquiry was opened following the shooting death of 56-year-old Hervé Maillot on October 16. The victim was shot while on his terrace. Prosecutor Paul-Édouard Lallois stated that suicide has been ruled out due to the nature of the wounds and the absence of a weapon at the scene. Investigators are treating the case as a potential assassination, which requires proof of premeditation or an ambush.

In Côte-d'Or, a 44-year-old man was shot and killed in his garage near Beaune. Four brothers, including two minors aged 14 and 15, have been taken into custody. Preliminary findings suggest the killing may be linked to a dispute involving the victim's son.

In Saône-et-Loire, a 31-year-old driver has been charged with assassination after striking and killing a 33-year-old mother while she was riding an electric bicycle in Salornay-sur-Guye. Witnesses reported the driver, who was under the influence of cocaine and morphine, appeared to steer the vehicle intentionally toward the victim.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: France: Multiple murder and assassination investigations launched

French authorities are investigating several violent crimes, including an assassination charge in a cycling fatality, a mysterious shooting in Lebetain, and a fatal shooting in Côte-d'Or involving four brothers

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lebetain-murder-investigation-launched-after-man-shot-dead

### 2026-10-24: Villeneuve-sur-Lot: Investigation launched after man found dead

Police are investigating the homicide of a 78-year-old man found bound and strangled in a rural home near Villeneuve-sur-Lot, France.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/villeneuve-sur-lot-investigation-launched-after-man-found-dead

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Cite as: Homicide investigations in France. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/homicide-investigations-in-france