A 79-year-old woman, France’s oldest female prisoner, went on trial this week accused of murdering her in-laws in a case that has gripped the nation. The defendant, identified only as Monique O. under French privacy laws, is charged with the stabbing deaths of her father-in-law and mother-in-law in 2018 at their home in the Ardèche region.
The bodies were discovered with multiple stab wounds, and police found blood-soaked clothing and a knife at the scene. Prosecutors allege that Monique, who had a history of mental health issues, acted out of resentment after years of family disputes. Her lawyers argue she was suffering a psychotic episode and lacked criminal intent.
The trial is expected to last two weeks.
