the suspect released, the hypothesis of suicide considered, according to the prosecution

The 49-year-old man who was arrested in Montivilliers in Seine-Maritime on Thursday because he was initially suspected of having killed his wife, was released after being placed in police custody, learned France Bleu Normandie on Friday 10 February with the public prosecutor’s office.

According to the prosecutor of Le Havre, the autopsy as well as testimonies do not allow to retain at this stage the thesis of the homicide. The hypothesis of a suicide by hanging of the woman is considered, still according to the prosecution. The 52-year-old woman was found dead in her home by her 14-year-old daughter. The teenager said she found her mother lying on the ground face down, a scarf tight around her neck. She therefore called her father who went there, to the family home. Both told the police that the victim had an addiction to alcohol and suicidal tendencies.

The man already known for domestic violence

The police had however decided to arrest the father and place him in custody before releasing him. He is already known for domestic violence on the victim. He had also been the subject of police custody for this reason on January 8 and had been prohibited since from contacting her.

The first elements of the investigation had also revealed suspicious marks on the neck, which could suggest strangulation. This hypothesis is therefore now ruled out in favor of suicide by hanging, according to the prosecutor of Le Havre.