Drôme feminicide suspect commits suicide in prison amid rising femicide rates in France
A man charged with feminicide in Drôme committed suicide in prison, highlighting a sharp rise in femicides across France, where 107 women were killed in 2024.
- • A 61-year-old man charged with murdering his partner in Montélimar committed suicide in prison.
- • The murder occurred on October 20 via stabbing, and the couple had a minor daughter now in social care.
- • Feminicide cases in France rose by 11% between 2023 and 2024, with 107 women killed by partners or ex-partners in 2024.
- • The suspect attempted suicide shortly after arrest and later died in a Lyon hospital, as confirmed by his lawyer.
Key details
In a tragic development in Montélimar, Drôme, a 61-year-old man charged with murdering his 52-year-old partner committed suicide in prison shortly after being incarcerated. The man fatally stabbed his partner in broad daylight on October 20, an incident which left their minor daughter in the care of social services. Following the stabbing, he attempted to flee and sustained injuries during his arrest. While detained in Lyon-Corbas prison, he attempted suicide and was transferred to a Lyon hospital, where he died on Thursday, as confirmed by his lawyer, Me Guillaume Fort.
This case is emblematic of a wider problem in France, where femicides have increased by 11% between 2023 and 2024. In 2024 alone, 107 women were killed by their partners or ex-partners, amounting to an average of one feminicide every three days. According to the report, this rise underscores ongoing challenges in addressing domestic violence and protecting women in the country.
The couple's minor daughter, now under social care, represents the human toll behind these statistics, highlighting the broader societal impact of such tragic events. This incident, together with the reported statistical increase, reflects persistent and alarming violence against women in France.
This heartbreaking feminicide and subsequent suicide draw attention to the urgent need for enhanced protective measures and interventions for victims of domestic violence. Authorities continue to monitor and investigate these incidents as part of a broader effort to combat this national issue.