Murder of Véronique Duchesne: jurors will visit crime scene at Saint-Quay-Portrieux
The trial of Thierry Meunier, accused of murdering his partner in 2010, opens on 21 September 2026 in Saint-Brieuc. The jurors will travel to the location on 24 September.
Duchesne trial: the court of assizes will travel to Saint-Quay-Portrieux on 24 September
On Thursday, 24 September, the court of assizes of Côtes-d'Armor will travel to Saint-Quay-Portrieux as part of the trial of Thierry Meunier, being tried for the murder of Véronique Duchesne. According to ici.fr, this relocation — rare in the context of criminal proceedings — has been confirmed by the court of appeal of Rennes.
All judicial actors will make the journey: "The president of the court of assizes, the two assessors, the public prosecutor, the clerk, the jurors, the civil and defence counsel, the accused will be on site as well as the civil parties," the court of appeal states.
The body of Véronique Duchesne was discovered at Pointe du Minard, at Plouézec, three days after her disappearance, on 6 October 2010. The 47-year-old estate agent was found dead; an autopsy concluded that death was by strangulation. Suspicion quickly fell on her husband, Thierry Meunier, but due to insufficient evidence, he was released after questioning in 2011.
Sixteen years after the events, the trial will open on 21 September 2026 at the courthouse in Saint-Brieuc, for a duration of fifteen days, until 9 October. Thierry Meunier, currently in custody, must answer charges of murder by spouse as well as participation in a criminal association with a view to the preparation of a crime. The accused has always denied any involvement in the death of his partner.
The proceedings must establish the precise role of the accused, the location of the crime and the existence of any possible motive. The charge of criminal association furthermore raises the question of concerted preparation. The trial must also determine between the theory of suicide, long advanced, and that of concealed murder — a question much awaited by the victim's family.
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)