Fifth body found in the seine, hidden by maghreb-born serial killer targeting homosexuals
A new mystery linked to the Maghreb-born serial killer has shaken the Paris region following the discovery of a fifth body in the Seine. The local river brigade found the body on Tuesday at 12:40 p.m. beneath the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Charenton-le-Pont. Authorities confirmed to Le Figaro and BFMTV that the victim is a European man, in an advanced state of decomposition and without identification.
At first glance, the body shows no obvious signs of violence, although its state of decomposition could be masking injuries. As a result, both an autopsy and toxicology tests have been ordered. The preliminary investigation into the cause of death has been assigned to the Charenton police precinct.
The discovery comes just two weeks after the Paris Criminal Brigade took over the investigation into multiple homicides following the discovery of four bodies on August 13 in Choisy-le-Roi. All were found along the banks of the Seine, close to an area frequented by gay men, leading investigators to consider a motive related to homophobia or sexual identity conflicts.
The main suspect, Monji H., a 21-year-old of Tunisian/Algerian origin, has been charged and placed in pre-trial detention on multiple murder charges, a legal classification that is uncommon in France. He arrived in the country three years ago irregularly, without fixed residence, and had been living in Choisy-le-Roi for the past eight months.
Investigations reveal clear links between Monji H. and the victims: he used the SIM card of the first deceased, the bank card of the second, and was in possession of belongings from the other two. The prosecution considers these elements as material evidence confirming his proximity to the men shortly before their disappearances.
