Attempted Murder in Vergèze: 25-Year-Old Suspect Confesses and Is Indicted

Eight days after a jogger was stabbed in a park in Vergèze, Gard, a 25-year-old man has been indicted for attempted murder and placed in custody. The suspect, who lives near the scene of the crime, confessed during his police custody when confronted with compelling evidence, including the victim’s DNA found on his jacket and the knife used in the attack discovered at his home.

A Violent and Premeditated Attack

The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, January 11. The victim, a 44-year-old mother of several children, was jogging on a fitness trail when she was stabbed multiple times in the back and neck. Seriously injured, she underwent surgery but is now out of danger. According to investigators, the suspect admitted to intending “to attack someone with a knife.”

Recent Psychiatric History

Four days before the attack, the suspect had been hospitalized in a psychiatric facility and was granted permission to leave the day before the assault. Despite his psychiatric history, his criminal record was clean. Deputy Prosecutor of Nîmes, Frédéric Kocher, confirmed during a press conference that the assailant did not know the victim, describing the act as a “chance encounter.”

Crucial Evidence

The investigation quickly advanced thanks to witness statements and surveillance footage from the town, which helped identify and arrest the suspect at his home on Friday, January 17. Material evidence, including the victim’s blood found on the weapon, led to the case being reclassified as attempted murder.

Relief for the Victim’s Family

The jogger’s family expressed their relief following the suspect’s indictment, stating that he “can no longer harm anyone.” This case, highlighting challenges in psychiatric care management, has left a lasting impact on the local community, shaken by the brutality of the attack.