Trappes attack: suspect Kevin Tessier in suicide attempt
Kevin Tessier, the alleged perpetrator of the racist attack in Trappes in October, attempted to end his life while in custody on 3 November. Investigators had discovered a list of left-wing personalities at his home.
Suicide attempt in custody
Kevin Tessier, suspect in the racist attack that occurred in Trappes on 25 October, attempted to hang himself on Tuesday 3 November whilst in detention. According to cnews.fr, the act "took place several days ago, followed by emergency services intervention". His life was not in danger; he returned to his cell the same day.
The suspect's lawyers, Baptiste Bellet and Eliott Amzallag, stated in a statement that this attempt "raises legitimate questions about his psychological state, which will need to be subject to a thorough medical evaluation". They also called for detention to take place "under the best possible conditions, so that the investigation can proceed smoothly".
Charges and criminal history
Tessier is accused of killing Pengo Bossio Wangi, 26, a man of African origin, and injuring seven other people in a car attack in Trappes and La Verrière. The majority of victims are of African or North African origin. Formally charged and remanded in custody on 29 October, the suspect admitted according to prosecutors that he had targeted Muslim, African or North African individuals.
Tessier had previously been sentenced four times. Toxicological tests carried out at the time of the attack revealed the presence of cannabis and cocaine in his blood, as well as substances consistent with the use of antipsychotic and antidepressant medication. The National Counter-Terrorism Prosecutors' Office notes that the suspect stated he suffered from psychological problems and reported high drug consumption since the age of 13.
List of personalities
During a search of Tessier's home shortly after the attack, investigators discovered a list containing the identities of several left-wing personalities.
Source: BFM TV