Judicial investigation opened in suspected murder of Briton in central France
Upgrade in investigation comes after reported arrest of tradesman
A judicial investigation has been opened into the suspected murder of a 78-year-old British man in Burgundy.
Gilwyn James was found dead at his home in Champlemy (Nièvre) earlier in the month, after reportedly suffering several violent blows to the head.
After The Connexion reported that a homicide inquiry had been launched into the death at the weekend, French media have stated that a tradesperson that Mr James hired to do renovation work for him had been arrested in connection with the death.
The investigation was initially being handled by the prosecutor’s office in nearby Nevers but it was confirmed to The Connexion on Wednesday, August 26, that the case has now been transferred to the prosecutor's office in Bourges, which has jurisdiction over cases from Nevers.
Nevers public prosecutor Anne Lehaitre said via email that a “judicial investigation has been opened at the investigation division of the Bourges judicial court.”
The transfer is significant because it means that the case has moved from a prosecutor-led investigation into a formal judicial investigation which will be conducted by one or more juges d’instruction, investigating judges.
This is a common development for serious or complex criminal cases and suggests authorities are continuing to treat the death of Mr James as a potential murder case.
The upgrade in the investigation comes after local media reported that a man, named only as Jean-Pierre, had been arrested.
Le Nouveau Detective reported that the detained man is a roofer who carried out several works for Mr James, including on a barn roof that was left with a large hole.
Mr James had allegedly taken the matter to court, said a local source.
It is possible that the roofer was an early suspect in the case since Gendarmes were reportedly asking Champlemy residents whether Mr James had faced any problems with tradespeople during their initial investigation.
It is not known whether the man has been placed under formal investigation (mis en examen) or given any other formal status in the case.
The opening of a judicial investigation will allow the courts broader powers in terms of conducting the investigation.
A juge d’instruction can, for example, question suspects and witnesses, order searches or expert examinations, authorise certain investigative measures, and gather evidence.
At the end of their investigation, the investigating judge must decide whether there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial and, in the case where there is not, issue a non-lieu, meaning the case will not proceed against the person concerned.
Mr James, who also had French citizenship, had moved to the village 10 years ago but had lived in France for more than three decades.
Before retiring, he worked on the inland waterways in France as a commercial carrier, transporting grain and fertiliser.
Friends and neighbours described him as a kind and gregarious person, who was well liked and integrated in the local community.
French media have consistently misspelt the victim’s name as Gylwin James.
