Many residents of Villefontaine, in the north of Isère, will follow the hearing: the trial of Ludovic Bertin, alleged murderer of Victorine Dartois, begins this Monday, November 25 before the Assises de l'Isère, in Grenoble. On September 26, 2020, the 18-year-old woman disappeared while walking homein the Fougères district, after a day of shopping at the Village des marques in Villefontaine. His body was found two days later in a stream, in the Stade de la Prairie area.
His death deeply affected the Villards. In shock, nearly 6,000 people participated in the first white march in tribute to Victorine in 2020. A gathering authorized by the Isère prefecture, despite the health context and the coronavirus at that time, due to the strong emotion aroused by the disappearance of the young woman.
Residents marked by the tragedy
Annick was in the procession. She works in the establishment where Victorine was educated and speaks regularly about her, especially before the trial. “My school told me: 'Annick don't forget, it's Monday, kid! If I had the chance, I would have gone, but I work.' She remains marked by what she felt four years ago. “We all knew this kid, it hurt everyone. All the kids cried, us too… Because when you see young people every day, and you learn that, it's heartbreaking. everyone's trouble.”
Noémie Philippot
“Four years later for the trial is a bit long”
Four years later, the tree planted by the city in tribute to Victorine near the Prairie stadium has grown. Florence walks regularly in this sector of Villefontaine. “There are a lot of children who are around there, I even went through the little tunnel the day before… it's true that when we learned about it… It's a shock. But it's true that four years later for the trial is a bit long.”
Habits disrupted
Although it is eagerly awaited, this trial will not necessarily allow Villefontaine to completely turn the page. The disappearance of Victorine has disrupted certain habits. “My wife has a garden in Les Fougères, we live in the city center. Before, when the weather was nice, she would walk uphill for a walk while doing her garden” says Youssef. “But since then, she has taken the car. It has changed a lot of habits for some. Hoping that justice will be done, for an abominable crime.” The trial will last two weeks in front of the Assizes of Isère. Ludovic Bertin will also be tried for rape of another young woman, who filed a complaint when she discovered her face in the context of the Victorine Dartois affair.
