*Appel à témoins*, hosted by Julien Courbet, focuses on resurrecting cold cases by involving the public and spotlighting victims’ families. Recent episodes featured heartbreaking cases, including Slymane Lerouge, a 25-year-old whose suspicious death followed a neighborhood party. Witnesses reported threats against Slymane before the incident, and one individual claimed to have confessed to his murder over a financial dispute. As investigators pursue new leads, hope persists for clarity in these unresolved tragedies.
Reviving Cold Cases on *Appel à Témoins*
Since its inception in 2021, *Appel à témoins* has taken a unique approach to solving cold cases by amplifying the voices of families affected by crime, hoping to engage the public and uncover new leads. Hosted by Julien Courbet, this impactful program has successfully reopened significant cases, including the tragic murder of Caroline Marcel and the ongoing investigation into the death of Tessa, who tragically passed away at just 17 years old.
On December 16, 2024, viewers were presented with three heart-wrenching stories, among them the case of Denise Le Pohon, a victim of a brutal assault in her home in 2018. The same individual is believed to have struck again. Another poignant case discussed was that of Slymane Lerouge, who was discovered deceased in his home following a suspicious fire on August 1, 2023. Authorities suspect foul play, but no suspects have been identified, leaving the door open for new leads from the public.
Unraveling the Mystery of Slymane Lerouge
Slymane Lerouge, a vibrant 25-year-old family man from Caudebec-lès-Elbeuf in Seine-Maritime, met a tragic end when a fire erupted in the trash bins located in the hallway of his building. Prior to the incident, a party at a neighbor’s residence had led to escalating tensions. Slymane’s mother revealed during the show that attendees of that evening were reportedly threatened to remain silent about the events that unfolded.
One testimony in particular caught the attention of the viewers. A witness recounted that Slymane had approached a neighbor to request a reduction in the party noise, as he had work the following day. However, he was allegedly warned that returning would lead to dire consequences, including a threat to set fire to him. Although Slymane’s mother stated he was actually on vacation that week, she acknowledged the possibility that he may have gone to address the noise complaint. Another shocking revelation emerged as someone claimed to have confessed to Slymane’s murder.
This witness, who lives in a nearby village and has a history of problematic behavior, told Julien Courbet that the accused admitted to having killed Slymane after a confrontation, waiting for him to remain incapacitated before starting the fire. The motive, according to this individual, was related to a financial dispute, as Slymane allegedly owed him money. The witness shared her concerns about the lack of progress in the case, stating that it pains her to see no one coming forward with information. However, Slymane’s family was unfamiliar with any debts or the identity of the witness, raising further questions about the unfolding investigation.
Viewers expressed mixed reactions, with some believing this testimony could be pivotal, while others remained skeptical, questioning the timeline of events and the possibility of misleading information. As the investigation continues, the hope remains that this new evidence may finally shed light on the circumstances surrounding Slymane’s tragic death.