PARIS: In the latest tragedy highlighting a surge in teenage violence in France, a 15-year-old boy has been fatally stabbed, leading to the arrest of the alleged attacker and his mother, according to prosecutors on Sunday.
The incident occurred during a brawl in the central French town of Chateauroux late on Saturday, resulting in the victim’s death in hospital later that evening, regional prosecutor Agnes Auboin confirmed. The suspect, also 15, was apprehended approximately two hours after the altercation and taken into custody.
Prosecutors revealed suspicions of the involvement of the 37-year-old mother of the teenage suspect, who was subsequently arrested as well. Despite lacking a criminal record, authorities are investigating her potential role in the incident.
The victim, an apprentice chef and the son of a restaurant owner, had no prior criminal record and was accompanied by a friend, also an apprentice, at the time of the fatal encounter, according to sources close to the case.
The authorities have launched an investigation into voluntary manslaughter, although the presumed attacker had no previous criminal convictions. However, he had been placed under judicial supervision earlier this month following other offenses.
A witness to the incident recounted a prior attack involving the suspect, indicating his involvement in assaulting a 22-year-old man in a local park a week earlier. The witness intervened to halt the assault, underscoring the gravity of the escalating violence.
Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has responded to the surge in teenage violence by announcing measures aimed at addressing the underlying causes and ensuring the safety of communities across France.
