Grandmother Sentenced to 20 Years for Attempted Murder of Grandchildren
In a shocking case from Habas, Landes, Marie-France Lacazedieu, a 63-year-old grandmother, has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for attempting to murder her two grandchildren and her partner. The Mont-de-Marsan Assize Court delivered the verdict on October 3, 2024, following a trial that revealed the disturbing details of the premeditated attack that occurred on the night of April 14 to 15, 2021.
During the incident, Lacazedieu served her grandchildren, aged 10 and 12, and her partner a dinner laced with sedatives before setting their home ablaze. The court found that the grandmother had meticulously planned the attack, evidenced by her purchase of Temesta, a sedative, just two days prior, as well as her use of multiple fire accelerants. The court noted that she even resorted to pouring a bottle of Martini on the floor to ensure the fire spread.
Fortunately, the victims were saved by a remote surveillance system that alerted emergency services despite the power being cut off. The court's decision included a five-year socio-judicial follow-up with mandatory treatment and a ban on any contact with the victims.
Lacazedieu expressed remorse during the trial, claiming, "I didn't want to kill them. My head went completely off the rails." Despite her frail appearance, psychiatric evaluations described her as having a "narcissistic" and "manipulative" personality, raising questions about her mental state at the time of the crime.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing Details
The prosecution initially sought a 25-year sentence for Lacazedieu, citing the clear evidence of premeditation and intent to kill. The court's ruling reflects the severity of the actions taken by the grandmother, which included the deliberate poisoning of her family members and the subsequent arson.
Defense attorney Thierry Sagardoytho argued against the portrayal of Lacazedieu as a monstrous figure, stating, "This little 40-kilo woman looks like those we have in our families. She is not a monster, not a black widow, not an ogress." However, the prosecution highlighted the calculated nature of her actions, emphasizing the psychological impact on the victims, particularly her ex-partner, who suffered severe injuries during the incident.
The case has drawn significant media attention, sparking discussions about familial violence and the psychological factors that can lead to such tragic events. As Lacazedieu begins her sentence, the community grapples with the aftermath of this harrowing crime.
