Pillod trial in Charleroi: convicted murderer still denies killing Albert Baise
Marcel Pillod, retried before the Hainaut assize court solely on the question of sentencing, maintains his innocence in the murder of Albert Baise in 2017.
Pillod before the assizes: "I did not kill Albert Baise"
Marcel Pillod has been appearing since Monday 7 September before the Hainaut assize court, solely for the determination of his sentence. DHnet reports that the man, found guilty of the murder of Albert Baise committed in April 2017, had been sentenced in absentia to life imprisonment in January, after going on the run.
Arrested in France on 4 February, Pillod appealed against this sentence passed in his absence, triggering the current proceedings.
A body discovered in a suitcase on the canal
On 17 May 2017, the body of the septuagenarian — Albert Baise, 74 years old, the accused's neighbour — had been found in a suitcase floating on the Charleroi-Brussels canal. Analysis of the victim's pacemaker had allowed investigators to date the death to 26 April at 15:57.
The investigation quickly led to Pillod. The suitcase, a model sold in a Charleroi shop, had been purchased on the morning of 26 April by the accused, who had paid for it in cash. Investigators had also established that he had withdrawn funds and made transfers from the victim's bank account to his own. At the same time, Pillod had contacted the police and several hospitals, claiming to be worried about his missing friend.
The accused denies and accuses his own son
On Monday, Pillod maintained his position before the court. "I will say for the rest of my life that I did not kill Albert Baise," he stated. He points to his son as the true perpetrator of the acts — this son having nonetheless been acquitted at trial.
Regarding his flight following the sentencing, the accused provided this explanation: "I was shattered. When I got home, I had a row with my wife and I drank."
Trial continues on Tuesday
On Monday afternoon, the court was to hear from investigators. Character witnesses are expected on Tuesday morning. The submission of arguments by the general counsel and the defence closing arguments are scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.
Source: DHnet