The trial for the suspected murder of Armale Aïvohozin, a 44-year-old Beninese mother known locally as “Deo,”, has entered a critical phase in Essonne’s Assize Court.
The case that shocked Grigny
Three years after the tragic discovery of Armale Aïvohozin’s body hidden in a freezer, the trial of her alleged partner began on November 2, 2026. The victim, a mother of three, was fatally shot in July 2023 in the Grigny district before her body was concealed.
The macabre discovery sent shockwaves through the Grande Borne neighborhood. Authorities located the body on July 22, 2023, after her eldest son reported her disappearance. The autopsy confirmed two gunshot wounds—one to the head and another to the chest.
The suspect’s controversial account
The alleged perpetrator, the victim’s partner, acknowledges discharging the firearm but claims the shooting was accidental. This version of events will be scrutinized by the court as investigators unraveled the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.
According to investigative findings, the accused exhibited patterns of obsessive behavior, including threats of self-harm should the victim attempt to leave the relationship. The court will examine these factors to determine the motive behind the fatal shots.
Family’s agony laid bare in court
The trial took a deeply emotional turn with testimony from Armale Aïvohozin’s 27-year-old son. His account revealed the family’s growing alarm as attempts to contact his mother went unanswered. The young man’s frantic search led him to meet the accused, who initially claimed his mother had departed in a chauffeur-driven vehicle.
These details emerged as officials uncovered the horrifying truth—her body concealed in a freezer above the suspect’s butcher shop.
A second defendant faces justice
The proceedings have expanded beyond the primary suspect. A second man is charged with concealing the body and altering the crime scene to obstruct justice. His alleged involvement adds another layer of complexity to the case as the court aims to reconstruct the final hours of Armale Aïvohozin’s life.
Justice delayed, truth sought
For the victim’s family, the trial represents a long-awaited opportunity to uncover the facts and secure accountability. Three years after the tragedy, they await clarity on the events in Grigny and the circumstances of a mother’s untimely demise.
As the trial continues, the case underscores the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable individuals in intimate partner relationships.
The verdict is expected on November 4, 2026.
