Quadruple tragedy in Gy: father kills his sons and mother-in-law before taking his own life
A 42-year-old man killed his two sons, aged 6 and 10, and his mother-in-law in the village of Gy, in Haute-Saône, before ending his own life. An investigation into wilful homicides has been opened.
Four deaths in Gy: family man kills his relatives before taking his own life
Four bodies were discovered by gendarmes on the evening of Wednesday 2 September in a residential area of Gy, a village of roughly 1,000 inhabitants in Haute-Saône, according to France Info. A 42-year-old family man allegedly shot his two sons — aged 6 and 10 — as well as his mother-in-law, before turning the weapon on himself.
According to the prosecutor, the man himself reported having killed his own children before committing suicide. The bodies were found on the family property, in what is described as a quiet neighbourhood, frozen by the tragedy.
Shots heard by neighbours
Several residents heard the gunfire. A woman testified: "Two rifle shots, one of which I thought was the shutter banging. And then I heard a child who said: 'Dad!'. He was shouting and then everything stopped." Her testimony illustrates the brutality and suddenness of the tragedy that struck this Haute-Saône village.
A father described as loving and sociable
On social media, the 42-year-old man appeared serene, often in the company of his two boys. The head of a construction business, he was also a player in the local football club. Village residents are struggling to reconcile this image with the facts. "It's very surprising because Jean-Paul was someone who loved people, who adored his children, who adored his dog. That's what I don't understand," lamented a resident of Gy.
The man was known to police for a matter involving damage to property. He was moreover in the process of separating from his partner at the time of the incident.
The two children attended the village school
The two boys, aged 6 and 10, were enrolled at the local school. One of the eldest boy's best friends testified to their bond: "I can't imagine one of my best mates dying. We saw each other all the time, throughout every holiday, an inseparable duo, really close."
In response to the distress affecting pupils and teaching staff, a psychological support unit was put in place at the school. "It's a morning that is difficult with the learning of this news. So we listen, we support," said Catherine Ridard, inspector of education for Haute-Saône.
Investigation opened, autopsies underway
An investigation into wilful homicides has been opened following the tragedy. An autopsy of the four bodies is underway to determine the precise circumstances of the deaths. According to information reported later, the mother-in-law is said to have been killed with a bladed weapon, whilst the two children were shot dead.
Shock is total in this Haute-Saône village, where nobody imagined such a tragedy could occur.
Source: France Info