Suspect in Paris Locksmith Murder Taken into Custody
On Saturday evening, a 39-year-old man was taken into police custody in Paris, suspected of fatally stabbing a locksmith during a dispute over service charges. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on Rue du Caire in the second arrondissement, where a disagreement escalated into violence. According to police sources, the altercation began when the tenant refused to pay for the locksmith's services, leading to a physical confrontation.
The locksmith, aged 30, reportedly struck the tenant with a hammer, prompting the tenant to retaliate with a knife, ultimately stabbing the locksmith in the throat. Emergency services were called, but the locksmith succumbed to his injuries shortly after. The tenant was arrested for voluntary manslaughter and taken to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained during the confrontation. Investigations are ongoing, with the case being handled by the 2nd district of the judicial police.
Court Appearance and Self-Defense Claims
The suspect, identified as Thomas B., appeared in court on Monday with visible injuries from the altercation, including a bandaged head. He is a 41-year-old IT company owner with no prior criminal record. During the court proceedings, he invoked self-defense, claiming he was struck multiple times with a hammer before he grabbed a kitchen knife to defend himself. Despite his claims, the court placed him in pre-trial detention as investigations continue to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
The case raises complex questions about self-defense and the legal implications of the altercation, as the investigation seeks to clarify the events that led to the locksmith's death.
