The town of Viry-Châtillon, located in Essonne, has been shaken by a tragic incident that occurred on Thursday, April 4. A group of individuals brutally beat a 15-year-old schoolboy as he was leaving his college.
This violent assault, reminiscent of the recent attack on a 13-year-old girl in Montpellier, has left the community in shock and mourning. The victim was hospitalized but sadly passed away on Friday afternoon.
The public prosecutor in Évry has launched a judicial investigation into the incident. Here is what we know so far about this heartbreaking case.
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The assault took place at around 4:30 p.m. in the Coteaux district. The victim, a 3rd-grade student, had just finished a music class at Sablons College, located in a working-class area of Viry-Châtillon.
As he was walking home, he was suddenly attacked by a group of young people wearing balaclavas. According to witnesses, the attack occurred “between two stairwells.”
The mayor of the city, Jean-Marie Naughty, emphasized that there was no apparent tension at the time when the schoolboy left the college. The assailants quickly fled the scene, leaving the victim injured and alone.
A passerby discovered the injured schoolboy in a street not far from his school and immediately alerted the authorities. The victim was in a critical condition, experiencing cardiorespiratory arrest and sustaining injuries to his body and head.
The firefighters arrived promptly and transported him to Necker Hospital in Paris as an absolute emergency. Although the victim received numerous kicks and punches, there is no evidence of a weapon being used in the initial stages of the investigation.
Mayor Jean-Marie Vilain condemned the attack, describing the perpetrators as “thugs of the worst kind” and denouncing the outbreak of “ultraviolence.”
He expressed his disbelief and anger, stating that such acts of brutality are inhumane. He called for justice to be served and emphasized the need to ensure the safety of the community.
A murder and violence investigation near a school has been launched by Public Prosecutor Grégoire Dulin. The authorities are working diligently to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack and apprehend the perpetrators.
The prosecutor’s office has announced that an autopsy will be conducted in the coming hours to gather further evidence.
Video surveillance cameras installed in Viry-Châtillon may provide crucial information about the incident. The mayor expressed hope that the footage would shed light on the events and aid in the investigation. The police have already requisitioned the surveillance footage for analysis.
Neighbours and fellow students of the victim have expressed shock and disbelief at the attack. They described the schoolboy as a well-behaved and friendly individual who did not seek trouble.
A neighbour testified that he always stayed with his mother and had no involvement in any illicit activities. A 3rd-grade student from the same school attested to the victim’s good character, stating that he had friends and no conflicts with anyone.
In response to the tragedy, a psychological support unit has been established at Les Sablons College. This unit aims to assist not only students but also teachers who may be affected by the incident.
The entire community of Viry-Châtillon is in mourning, grappling with the loss of a young life and seeking justice for the senseless act of violence committed against the schoolboy. As the investigation progresses, the hope for answers and accountability remains strong.
