A homicide investigation is underway in Guérande, Loire-Atlantique, after beloved 78-year-old municipal councilor Catherine Bailhache was found stabbed to death in her home on Wednesday afternoon.
Officers entered the property in the Achelais Park area shortly before 5 p.m. after being alerted by third parties. Bailhache was discovered on the ground floor with stab wounds. Emergency services attended but were unable to save her.
During the search of the house, a 34-year-old man emerged from a bathroom closet, armed with a knife, and attempted to attack the first responding officer. A member of the Saint-Nazaire Surveillance and Intervention Platoon (PSIG) opened fire, hitting him in the shoulder. He was taken to hospital and remains under police guard. He will be placed in custody once his condition improves.
The suspect had been living in the property for around 10 days as part of a non-profit scheme offering accommodation to young workers, according to the prosecutor’s office.
He has no previous record with the police or the courts. His role in the killing, and a possible motive, are still to be established. An autopsy will be carried out in Nantes to clarify the circumstances of Bailhache’s death.
Bailhache was a retired teacher and former school principal, serving as an opposition councilor in Guérande. She was involved in local cultural groups and known in artistic circles for her work and exhibitions.
News of her death spread quickly through the town, prompting tributes from residents and colleagues. Speaking to Ouest-France, one described the announcement as “an earthquake,” noting her presence in the Guérande Artistic Research Group and her visibility in art exhibitions. Multiple tributes were posted on Facebook following the announcement, praising the victim’s commitment to her local community.
Yannick Favennec, French MP for Mayenne, wrote on social media, “She was my teacher in secondary school. I had great admiration and respect for this woman of commitment and culture.”
Sandrine Josso, MP for Loire-Atlantique, recounted meeting Catherine at the beginning of her political career: “I had just been elected municipal councilor in Herbignac, and Catherine was already an elected official in Guérande. She took me under her wing and greatly encouraged me to get involved. She was an inspiring woman.”
The local council posted a tribute on Thursday, which read, “The City of Guérande learned with deep emotion and profound sadness of the death of Catherine Bailhache, a municipal councilor. This news has come as a shock. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and all those affected by this loss.
“Committed to Guérande, particularly on heritage-related issues, Catherine Bailhache has left her mark on municipal life through her dedication. A notebook is available in the lobby of the Town Hall for those who wish to leave a message in tribute to Catherine Bailhache.”
According to Le Parisien, the Saint-Nazaire research brigade has taken charge of the case. Investigators are working to reconstruct the timeline of events inside the house and determine whether the suspect acted alone or had a prior dispute with the victim.
No further details surrounding the attack or the suspect have been released.
The post Beloved French councilwoman found stabbed to death in her home; main suspect is ‘young man’ she was housing appeared first on Remix News.
Remix NewsRead More
T1
