Authorities in Dijon have arrested Mohammed C., a retired Renault worker, in connection with two long-unsolved murders: Laïla Afif in 2000 and Nathalie Boyer in 1988. Advances in DNA technology linked him to these cases. Afif’s body was found with gunshot wounds, while Boyer’s was discovered with severe injuries. Investigators are exploring the possibility of more victims, and Judge Sabine Khéris is overseeing the case as new evidence suggests a disturbing pattern in these crimes.
Arrest in Dijon: Unraveling Decades-Old Murders
Last Monday, in the city of Dijon, authorities apprehended Mohammed C., a retired Renault employee, on serious charges related to two brutal murders that have haunted investigators for years. The first case involves the tragic death of Laïla Afif in 2000, while the second concerns the murder of Nathalie Boyer back in 1988. Both cases had stumped law enforcement until now, as they have endured unresolved for decades.
Described as a retired man with a smooth, waxy complexion, Mohammed C. lived a quiet life until his recent arrest by the gendarmerie. His police custody is expected to conclude this Friday, potentially leading to a court appearance before Judge Sabine Khéris, who is overseeing these significant investigations.
DNA Breakthrough and the Search for Justice
The allegations against Mohammed C. are alarming, as he may be linked to multiple murders spanning over three decades. Investigators are not only focusing on these two particular cases but are also considering the possibility that he may have more victims. His arrest represents a pivotal moment in cases that have been described as both gruesome and enigmatic.
Advancements in familial DNA analysis have played a crucial role in identifying Mohammed C. Laïla Afif, a mother of five, vanished on May 12, 2000, after leaving her home in Villefontaine, Isère. “Our mother was supposed to enroll one of our brothers in vocational training at Saint-Quentin-Fallavier, but she never returned,” her eldest daughter revealed. Tragically, her body was discovered the following day in a canal, with two gunshot wounds from a .22LR caliber rifle. For two decades, the investigation led to dead ends, leaving local authorities baffled.
In 2022, the national jurisdiction for serial and unsolved crimes reopened Laïla’s case, assigning the gendarmes from Grenoble’s research section and the cold cases unit Diane to utilize new technological advancements in forensics. A major breakthrough occurred in March 2024, when DNA analysis uncovered three male profiles linked to the crime scene. Investigators used familial DNA techniques to trace a connection back to Mohammed C. through his son, whose genetic data was previously collected in a sexual assault case.
Adding to the gravity of the situation is the earlier case of Nathalie Boyer, a 15-year-old girl from La Réunion, who disappeared in Villefontaine twelve years prior to Laïla’s murder. While vacationing with her family, Nathalie left to meet friends but was found dead shortly after, abandoned near railway tracks in Saint-Quentin-Fallavier. An autopsy revealed she had suffered a violent throat slashing, shocking the community and leaving investigators with few leads.
In light of the compelling DNA evidence linking Mohammed C. to Laïla Afif’s murder, Judge Sabine Khéris decided in the summer of 2024 to link this case with that of Nathalie Boyer. The connection is unsettling, given the similarities in both cases, as the suspect lived in Villefontaine during both incidents. In each case, the victims were reportedly last seen at a bus stop, indicating a potential pattern. However, significant differences exist, including the age disparity between the victims and the methods employed in their murders. These factors raise questions about the possible motives behind these horrific acts: is he a sadistic killer with complex psychological motivations, or merely an opportunistic sexual predator?