An unprecedented tragedy took place this Saturday, December 14 in the North, between Wormhout and Loon-Plage.
A 22-year-old young man, Paul D., shot dead five people in a little over an hour, before going to the gendarmerie. The investigation entrusted to the judicial police will have to clarify the circumstances and motivations of this quintuple murder. Here's what we know about the victims.
Paul Dekeister, 29 years old, business manager in Wormhout
The first victim of this tragedy, Paul Dekeister, manager of the road transport company “Dekeister Frères”, was shot dead in front of his partner in front of their home in Wormhout. This young business leader was involved in local community life and a family man. The mayor of the town, David Calcoen, expressed his sadness: “Losing one of your own, a father, is a shock for the whole town. »
Aurélien Cugny, 33 years old, security guard in Loon-Plage
Aurélien Cugny lost his life at Loon-Plage, in the port area of Dunkirk. A security agent for the ECS company, he was patrolling by car with his colleague when they encountered the killer. Well known to Dunkirk residents, he was an emblematic figure of security during local events. Those close to him paid tribute to him on social networks, describing him as “a big guy with a heart of gold”.
Marc Lehmus, 37 years old, security guard and motorcycle enthusiast
Colleague of Aurélien Cugny, Marc Lehmus was also shot dead during this shooting. This father of two daughters was a resident of Bourbourg and an active member of the Moto-club du Littoral. The president of the club praised “her kindness and her availability”, a tribute reflecting the pain of her relatives and friends.
Mustafa, 19 years old, Iranian Kurdish migrant
The killer then targeted two Kurdish migrants near the railway tracks in Loon-Plage. Mustafa, 19, lived in the town's migrant camp, where around 600 exiles reside hoping to reach England. His death aroused great emotion among refugees and associations.
Ahmid, 30 years old, Iranian Kurdish migrant
Ahmid, also an Iranian Kurd, was killed alongside Mustafa. Both men were shot at point blank range. Migrants in the area gathered to pay their respects, placing red roses at the scene of the shooting.
A still mysterious killer
Paul D., the 22-year-old suspect, went himself to the Ghyvelde gendarmerie after the incident. Although he confessed to the murders, his motives remain unclear. A sports shooting enthusiast, he owned the weapons found in his vehicle. Unknown to the police, he faces life imprisonment for these crimes of rare violence.
The investigation, led by the organized crime division of SIPJ 59, will have to determine the precise elements which led to this tragedy which is mourning the Dunkirk resident.
