Bodies in the Seine: Suspect accused of four murders faces judge

Sunday 24 August 2025 - 13:55

By: Sahili Aya

Bodies in the Seine: Suspect accused of four murders faces judge

The mystery surrounding the four bodies discovered in the Seine earlier this month is beginning to unravel. On Sunday, prosecutors requested the formal indictment of a young homeless man suspected of committing four murders.

According to the Créteil prosecutor’s office, the man is believed to be in his twenties, of North African appearance, and without a clearly established identity or nationality. After four days in custody, he was presented to an investigating judge as part of a judicial inquiry into the killings. Authorities have also requested his pre-trial detention.

During questioning, the suspect gave only limited information about his life and refused to discuss the crimes. Investigators, however, have established links between him and each of the victims, who disappeared shortly before their bodies were found in the Seine on August 13. Video surveillance, telephone data, and witness accounts placed him frequently near the site where the bodies were discovered.

The victims have since been identified through DNA analysis. Two were young North African men, both living on the streets, while another was a 48-year-old Frenchman from Créteil. The last victim, also of Algerian origin, had been missing since early August. Forensic examinations suggest that at least two of the victims may have been strangled.

Authorities revealed that the suspect had previously been arrested in possession of identity documents belonging to one of the victims. He was already known to police for theft and was due to stand trial in September.

While investigators continue to piece together the circumstances of the killings, prosecutors confirmed that the case highlights the precarious living conditions on the banks of the Seine, where homeless communities are often concentrated.