Suspect in 1993 Double Murder and Rape Case Released on Supervised Freedom

Marian Marinescu Released After Nearly Three Years in Detention

Marian Marinescu, accused of the 1993 murder of his wife and daughter in Isère, as well as the rape of his daughter, was granted supervised release on Wednesday. This decision comes after nearly three years of detention, pending his trial. The release was confirmed by both the victim's family lawyer, Me Hervé Gerbi, and the suspect's counsel, Me François Saint-Pierre.

Ongoing Legal Debates and DNA Evidence

The case saw renewed activity in June 2021 when DNA evidence linked Marinescu to the crimes, leading to intense legal debates over his continued detention. Despite the DNA findings, the civil parties were not surprised by the decision to release Marinescu, indicating a complex legal battle ahead.

Trial Status and Investigation Updates

The legal proceedings are currently at a standstill, with recent requests for additional documents being approved by the investigating judge. However, the timing for Marinescu's trial remains uncertain, with significant emphasis on gathering more evidence to solidify the case.

Background of the Case

The victims, Michèle Chabert and her daughter Christine, were found murdered in January 1993. Initial investigations had cleared Marinescu, supported by an alibi of being in Romania. However, new forensic technologies revealed his DNA on his daughter's clothing, casting doubts on his earlier alibi and implicating him in the crimes. During a recent court appearance, Marinescu vehemently declared his innocence, hinting at potential judicial errors in his case.