The trial that opened before the Vaucluse Assizes in Avignon highlights a tragic case that occurred outside the Wave Corner in Monteux during the summer of 2021. Wesley, now 20 years old, is accused of killing a young father and injuring two other men during a confrontation. While the defendant admits to being present at the scene, he claims to suffer from amnesia, raising questions and debates within the court. As the trial progresses, it not only describes the circumstances of that night but also examines the mental state of the accused and his responsibilities regarding this fatal outcome.
The trial for the murder that occurred outside the Wave Corner in Monteux began at the Vaucluse Assizes in Avignon. Wesley, the main suspect, aged 20, faces charges of murder, attempted murder, and aggravated violence. He is suspected of having fatally injured Antoine Lefebvre, a young father, and seriously injured two other men during a confrontation on the night of July 2 to 3, 2021. During the trial, the accused admitted his involvement but maintains that he does not clearly remember the events, attributing his actions to amnesia.
Acknowledgment of Facts Tainted by Amnesia
From the outset of his testimony, Wesley admitted to being involved in the incident but noted that he has no precise memories of the evening. He stated: “I did not intend to take a life, and I have no recollection.” This statement, made before the court, reflects a defense centered on forgetfulness. A psychiatric expert was called to testify to shed light on this amnesia, suggesting that alcohol, present in large quantities in the defendant’s blood at the time of the events, could have acted as a disinhibitor. Moreover, he advanced the possibility of a repression mechanism.
Analysis of the Accused’s Mental State
The psychiatrist also described a young man of 18 at the time of the facts, with an almost juvenile appearance, and noted his behavior in the accused’s box, which was marked by a certain apathy. According to his testimony, Wesley presents lower-than-average intelligence and does not suffer from a mental illness. The results of a test conducted by a psychological expert corroborate this analysis, placing Wesley in a very low intelligence range, close to deficiency. The results also suggest that he struggles to understand questions and has difficulty expressing himself verbally.
A Lack of Empathy Highlighted by Experts
During his meeting with the psychologist a few weeks after the events, Wesley appeared to be in a state of denial regarding the consequences of his actions. According to the experts, he did not seem aware of the impact of what he had done. Despite this, during his hearing, he offered apologies: “Of course I have empathy and sorrow, I never intended to take a life”, addressing the civil parties directly and claiming he wanted to seek their forgiveness. However, he still referred to the incident as an “accident”, which raises questions about his full awareness of the gravity of his actions.
Crucial Witness Testimonies Anticipated
This trial, which extends over the week, anticipates the questioning of around twenty witnesses who were present the night of the tragedy. These testimonies are expected to provide essential elements for the resolution of the case. The verdict, which could be rendered between Thursday and Friday, could expose the accused to up to 30 years of criminal incarceration, depending on the evidence and elements presented during the debates.
- Date of events: Night of July 2 to 3, 2021
- Location: Outside the Wave Corner bar in Monteux
- Accused’s name: Wesley, now 20 years old
- Charges: Murder, attempted murder, and aggravated violence
- Victims: Antoine Lefèbvre (deceased) and two injured
- Alcohol consumption: Significant quantity of vodka on the night of the events
- Acknowledgment of facts: The accused claims partial amnesia
- Psychological state: Lower-than-average intelligence, no mental pathology
- Emotions expressed: No empathy perceived in court
- Apologies: Wesley apologizes to the civil parties
- Witnesses: About twenty expected for the trial
- Verdict announcement: Expected at the end of the week
