Bayonne: 58-year-old man dies after being attacked during the Fêtes festival

On July 17, the Bayonne public prosecutor’s office announced the death of a 58-year-old man who had been attacked during the Bayonne Fêtes. Hospitalized in critical condition after being struck in the face on July 11, he did not survive. The investigation, now reclassified as “voluntary manslaughter”, continues to clarify the circumstances of this tragedy.

Fatal altercation during festivities

The altercation occurred near a bus station set up for the festivities. According to the initial findings of the investigation, there are several differing versions as to the cause of the incident. In a state of inebriation, with a level of 1.87 grams of alcohol per liter of blood, the victim is said to have hurled insults at his assailant, a 39-year-old man. The latter, of Guadeloupean origin, claimed to have been the target of racist remarks, a claim disputed by the victim’s partner.

Despite attempts by transport company staff to calm the situation, the conflict escalated. Outside the vehicle, the assailant shouted “I’m a boxing champion” before delivering two violent blows to the face of the victim, who collapsed.

A history of violence

The assailant, arrested on July 12 and initially charged with “attempted homicide”, has a long criminal record. Released from prison in April, he has 16 convictions, including 12 for aggravated violence. These include a five-year prison sentence for violence resulting in permanent disability, and a three-year sentence for domestic violence.

The man told police he had acted in self-defense, a version contradicted by CCTV footage. The investigation is continuing for “voluntary manslaughter”, in order to determine who was responsible for this tragedy.