A judicial investigation has been opened into the arson of a house causing death and criminal conspiracy

A few days after the tragic fire in the Moulins district of Nice, which claimed the lives of seven members of the same family, Damien Martinelli, Nice’s public prosecutor, announced on Monday July 22 the opening of a judicial investigation. The charges are destruction by fire in an organized gang resulting in death, and criminal conspiracy.

Suspect arrested on Sunday admits involvement

Two suspects are currently in police custody and were presented to the public prosecutor’s office on Monday. The public prosecutor’s office is requesting their indictment and remand in custody. The first suspect has admitted driving the vehicle involved, while denying any involvement in starting the fire.

“Although initial investigations seemed to confirm his role as driver, several elements at this stage suggest a more significant involvement than that which he admits,” explains Damien Martinelli.

The second suspect, a young man aged 21, was arrested on Sunday in the Paris region and suffered recent burns to his legs. When confronted by investigators, he simply admitted his involvement, without providing any further explanations, according to the public prosecutor.

Other searches in progress

Three other individuals are currently “actively sought”: one, aged 23, lives in Alpes-Maritimes; the second, aged 18, lives in Val-d’Oise; and the third, aged 17, lives in Seine-Saint-Denis.