Overview
- The trial of Lakdhar M. opened this week in the Paris cour d'assises for the January 2023 death of his wife, Assia, and he faces life in prison if convicted.
- Forensic pathologists testified that numerous bruises were ante-mortem and that mixed DNA found under the victim’s nails helped establish violent contact before death, while the recovered torso made asphyxia identifiable.
- The accused admitted buying a grinder and a tarp, said he dismembered the body on February 2, 2023, and gave shifting accounts in court including repeated 'I don't remember' statements and a claim he acted to protect the children.
- Prosecutors argued the killing was intentional and requested 27 years in prison, and the proceedings have focused on the psychological and practical harm done to the three children who lived in the flat.
- The hearing has been emotionally charged, with one son attending court and lawyers pressing the defendant for answers, and jurors are due to deliver a verdict on Friday.