The body of a man dead for several days found in his apartment, a suspect taken into custody for murder

Sunday December 22, the body of a 62-year-old man was found in his apartment in Espelette, in the Basque Country. Another sixty-year-old, staying with the victim, was placed in police custody. An investigation is underway.

The terrible discovery was made in the usually quiet village of Espelette, in the Basque Country. According to information from our colleagues at France Bleu Pays Basque, the body of a 62-year-old man was found in an apartment located on the main street, at the end of the day, Sunday December 22. Information confirmed by the Bayonne firefighters, who specify that they intervened shortly before 5:30 p.m.

MAP – Espelette (64)

According to initial information, the victim, a 62-year-old man, had been dead for several days when firefighters found the body. “She was found lying on her back,” specifies the Bayonne public prosecutor's office. It was a neighbor who called for help.

This Monday, December 23, Jérôme Bourrier, public prosecutor of Bayonne, indicates that a 64-year-old man has been placed in police custody for murder. This one, “being homeless, was welcomed by the victim” at his home. PHowever, it is important to remain cautious. “An autopsy is scheduled for today and the facts are disputed, indicates the Bayonne prosecutor. It could also be a matter of failure to assist a person in danger.”

“Apparently, he remained there while a person had died in the apartment,” said the mayor of Espelette. Jean-Marie Iputcha. According to him, if the victim was not from the commune, the accused for his part “is very well known to local people”. “He was a marginal person, originally from Itxassou, very often in the street and more inclined to alcohol,” specifies the elected official.

We are a very small village so it’s disruptive. It still hurts, they are local people.

Jean-Marie Iputcha

mayor of Espelette

An investigation is underway to clarify the circumstances of this tragedy.