In Lyon, a woman convicted of murdering her grandfather raises questions about the end of her life

Never made public, the case is being followed with extreme caution by the Lyon justice system. A criminal trial will decide whether this should be considered a case of euthanasia with extenuating circumstances worthy of a jury’s sympathy. Or should we look for other motives for the crime? Since being charged with her grandfather’s arson on October 23, 2020, 32-year-old Emily G. has not served a single day in jail. On Tuesday, April 16, the Investigative Chamber of the Lyon Court of Appeal reduced the trial to his October trial before the Lyon Assize Court.

Forced to report regularly to the gendarmerie, the young woman can meet her parents and leave the house again between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. The criminal stakes are enormous at a time when end-of-life causes deep concern for French society. The defendant, a language teacher and mother of two, is facing life imprisonment for “murdering his ascendant”. His lawyer is hoping for a non-custodial sentence.

The tragedy occurred on August 23, 2020, in a villa located in a city in the east of the Lyon region. At the beginning of the evening, the lifeless body of 95-year-old Manuel A. was found on the medical bed. Returning from dinner with her husband, the daughter found the old man badly burned, in a smoke-filled room with soot-covered walls. She explained to the investigators that she hosted her father at home for four years. For two years he was bedridden, in a very weakened state, bedridden, completely dependent.

Three caregivers took turns feeding and changing him. Their testimonies describe an old man of unstable character, often withdrawn and in very poor health. At that time, the family thought it was an accidental fire caused by the bed mechanism. But the expert finds significant traces of fuel, unmistakable evidence of fire. Investigators are confirming the schedule of the deceased’s daughter.

“I can’t take it anymore”

On the other hand, the gendarmes noted inconsistencies in his grandson’s version by checking the time of the video surveillance images and telephone terminals. Emily G., who is in police custody. Surprised, he revolts at the idea of ​​a voluntary gesture and finally admits that he was the one who wanted to kill his grandfather by dousing him with gasoline, at the behest of his parents. absence in the evening.