Valence Prosecutor Seeks Assize Trial for 11 Over Thomas Perotto Killing

Overview

• The public prosecutor in Valence filed a requisition on June 12, 2026 asking judges to send 11 accused to the juvenile assize court on counts including intentional homicide, attempted homicides and acts of violence.
• The case stems from a brawl at a winter dance in Crépol in November 2023 that left 16-year-old Thomas Perotto dead and three others seriously injured after knives were used.
• Fourteen people have been placed under formal investigation in the inquiry and some were minors at the time of the events, with at least one released from pretrial detention in November 2025 under rules that limit detention for minors to two years.
• Witnesses and a police report have alleged the attackers sought out 'des Blancs,' and two associations have asked to join the proceedings as civil parties to press for recognition of a racially motivated crime.
• If judges follow the prosecutor’s requisition the trial before the Cour d’assises des mineurs would put disputed facts about responsibility and motive to a public hearing and could affect possible reparations for victims through civil-party claims.