In the absence of irrefutable evidence, the Advocate General invoked “the grave and concordant beam” of clues accusing, according to him, Joël Bourgeon. At 58, this former friend of the victim, Martine Escadeillas, and her companion at the time is the main suspect in this murder.
The Assize Court of Haute-Garonne has been judging since Friday July 1 this 36-year-old case that has long remained a cold box insoluble. The body of the 24-year-old secretary, who disappeared in Ramonville-Sainte-Agne in December 1986, has never been found.
Victim’s family convinced of guilt of this former friend of Martine Escadeillas. According to their lawyer, Maître Frédéric David, the motive is clear, in line with the confessions of Joël Bourgon: “He came to explain to Martine Escadeillas that his companion was fickle and that he was serious and really loved him. He has an altercation with her (…) and we can assume blows possibly resulting in death”.
Joël Bourgeon maintained his line of defense throughout the hearing: these confessions were extracted from him in 2019 by the gendarmes. He kept saying he’s innocent.