Man detained for murder after four bodies discovered in River Seine

In France, four bodies were discovered in the River Seine in early August 2025, triggering a criminal investigation. Authorities indicated that the bodies were found in varying stages of decomposition in the Parisian municipality of Choisy-le-Roi. Detectives initiated their inquiries when a train passenger reported seeing a body floating in the water. The first identified victim was a 48-year-old French man, whose autopsy indicated he had been strangled. Alongside him were three other men, including a 21-year-old Algerian national and a 26-year-old Tunisian national, both of whom had not been heard from since late July. The police connected these victims to an area known for its homeliness and frequent casual same-sex encounters, heightening the complexity of the investigation. The suspect, described by prosecutors as a homeless man in his twenties, frequently visited the area where the bodies were found. Before the remains surfaced, he had been apprehended for possessing documents belonging to one of the deceased. This prior incident, combined with CCTV footage and phone records, helped the police substantiate their case against the suspect, who was later charged with multiple counts of murder. As the investigation continues, authorities are working to piece together the relationships, if any, between the victims, as well as the motives behind their death. Prosecutors have noted the possibility of shame around one of the suspect's sexual orientation being a factor in the attacks. Currently, the focus remains on solving the case involving these tragic deaths and ensuring justice is served for the families of the victims, none of whom were found without some connection to the struggling homeless community in Paris. While the legal process unfolds, community members and activists are voicing concerns about violence towards marginalized groups and calling for increased protection for individuals who identify as LGBTQ+. In the wake of these events, discussions surrounding safety and societal acceptance will likely be at the forefront of public discourse in the coming weeks and months.