Overview
- The victim, an 86-year-old woman staying at a campsite near Plage de l'Espiguette, was found dead near an étang after a violent assault that occurred Thursday evening.
- Procureure Cécile Gensac said initial investigations point to a criminal act and the parquet de Nîmes has formally opened a murder probe.
- The Gard section de recherche and the Vauvert gendarmerie company have been assigned to lead the investigation and coordinate searches.
- Authorities launched large overnight control operations that included vehicle searches, ID checks and trunk inspections while urging anyone with information to contact the gendarmerie.
- The attack has raised local concern about safety in the busy seaside area and investigators say the suspect is a man who remains at large as inquiries continue.