Gabriel, 3 years old, died of a double hemorrhage “with a nine-centimeter fracture to the back of the skull”… It was July 1, 2023, in the village of La Montagne in Reunion. That day, emergency services were called for what they thought was a simple child’s illness. When they arrived, they discovered a woman sitting on a low wall with an unconscious child in her arms. Despite the first aid provided, the child died a few minutes later. He supposedly fell from the changing table… But the autopsy will reveal a much more macabre scenario. Gabriel died from blows that fractured the back of his head by 9 centimeters. His body was also covered in bruises and abrasions.
He recognizes “stick and belt blows”
The victim’s stepfather, Haymerick Gonfo, was then placed in police custody and then in pre-trial detention for “violence leading to the death without intention of causing death to a minor under 15 years old.” “.
Tried from June 10 at the Saint-Denis assizes, Haymerick Gonfo had difficulty recognizing the facts. He finally admitted half-heartedly to having been “negligent”. In particular, he recognized “hitting his foot with a stick” and the “ somewhat strong manner » with which he hit Gabriel, reports the media Clicanoo. For good reason, one of the victim’s brothers “specified that he had convulsed shortly after the broomstick finally broke on him.” Tired, the accused finally lets out a “I assume”. After two days of trial, Haymeric Gonfo was found guilty and received a 20-year prison sentence. A relief for Gabriel’s family who can now try to mourn…
