France has been shaken by a series of tragic events, including the murders of 11-year-old Louise, 15-year-old Lina, and 2-year-old Emile. The case of young lovers Leslie and Kevin, who were allegedly killed by acquaintances in November 2022, has gained significant attention. As the trial approaches, complications have arisen, such as the unexpected release of suspect Nathan Badji due to a procedural error, prompting outrage from the victims’ families and raising concerns about justice and safety.
Recent Tragedies in France
In the past few months, France has been rocked by a series of tragic events, particularly the heartbreaking murder of 11-year-old Louise. This shocking incident follows the earlier deaths of 15-year-old Lina and 2-year-old Emile, which left the nation in mourning. However, the case that has captured widespread attention is the grim fate of young lovers Leslie and Kevin, who were allegedly murdered by acquaintances on the night of November 26, 2022, near Niort in Deux-Sèvres.
Developments in the Leslie and Kevin Case
At the time of their deaths, Leslie was just 20 years old, while Kevin was 22. The judicial investigation into their tragic case concluded in late January 2025, with the trial set to commence early next year. The accused include Tom Trouillet, Mickaël Zadi, and Enzo Challat. Additionally, Stevan Mathieu faces charges related to concealing a corpse and tampering with the crime scene, while Nathan Badji is charged with murder. However, an unexpected administrative blunder on March 18, 2025, resulted in the release of Nathan Badji.
The Poitiers Court of Appeal ruled in favor of Badji’s lawyer, Me Orane Quénot, annulling the extension of his criminal detention. Having been held in provisional detention since March 3, 2023, he was released due to an issue with an outdated email address that led to a lack of proper notification for a hearing regarding his detention renewal. If he adheres to judicial supervision, he could remain free during the upcoming trial concerning Leslie and Kevin’s deaths.
This development has elicited strong reactions from the victims’ families. Leslie’s stepmother, Émilie Cardré, expressed her devastation, stating, “We are heartbroken… It feels like criminals have more rights than we do, the victims have not even been heard by the investigating judge.” She emphasized that the law mandates all civil parties to be consulted before the investigation wraps up, yet their requests for actions have been consistently denied. This includes inquiries into the involvement of Tom Trouillet’s brother in the couple’s murder.
Leslie’s father, Patrick Hoorelbeke, voiced concerns that Badji’s release could pose a risk of him evading justice, especially as he faces a potential life sentence. He also fears Badji could become a target for retribution from the families of the deceased. Meanwhile, two additional suspects, Stevan Mathieu and Enzo Challat, have been released under judicial supervision. Mathieu is accused of cleaning the crime scene and disposing of Leslie’s body, while Challat is thought to have played a lesser role in the couple’s tragic demise.