Cédric Jubillar Sentenced to 30 Years Amid Mixed Reactions and Legal Controversy

On October 17, 2025, Cédric Jubillar was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his wife, Delphine Aussaguel, a case that has captivated France since her disappearance on the night of December 15-16, 2020. The court in Albi swiftly delivered the verdict after a month-long trial and less than six hours of deliberation, with the decision announced in three minutes without detailed motivation. Despite Jubillar's unwavering claims of innocence—"I absolutely did nothing to Delphine"—the court, comprising three magistrates and six jurors, found him guilty based on circumstantial evidence in the absence of the victim's body or a crime scene.

The prosecution suggested jealousy as a motive, citing the couple's ongoing divorce and allegations of Delphine's infidelity. The jury reached a majority verdict, with at least seven out of nine jurors supporting conviction. The defense, led by Emmanuelle Franck and Alexandre Martin, contested the sufficiency and integrity of the evidence but were unsuccessful. Jubillar’s lawyers announced plans to appeal, with a new trial anticipated in 2026, during which he will be presumed innocent.

Family members of Delphine expressed a moment of relief and mourning after five years of uncertainty, underscoring the tragic and complex nature of the case, which adds to France’s broader concerns over domestic violence and feminicides. The court's detailed reasoning is expected to be published within days, promising further insights into the conviction.