On December 16, 2024, the French television program Appel à témoins aired, focusing on the unsolved murder of Denise Le Pohon, which remains one of the most heart-wrenching and controversial cases in recent memory. The episode, hosted by Julien Courbet, aims to shed light on cold cases, and Denise's is particularly poignant as it intertwines family grief with the call for justice.
Denise Le Pohon, aged 78, was brutally attacked on September 8, 2018, at her home in Brétigny-sur-Orge, Essonne, by a burglar armed with a hammer. The violent assault left her with severe injuries, and she succumbed to her wounds shortly thereafter. The incident initially was categorized as part of an unfortunate burglary gone wrong, raising more questions than answers.
Following her sister's tragic death, Irène Frain, a renowned author, initially felt the legal system was dismissing the severity of the situation. She expressed her frustration, saying, "J'avais l'impression que tout cela n'était pas pris au sérieux. On présentait ma sœur comme une vieille folle. Qui plus est, l'autopsie parlait de ‘mort naturelle’. Il a fallu se battre pour prouver qu'elle était bien décédée suite aux coups reçus" (Translation: "I had the impression this wasn't taken seriously. They presented my sister as some old crazy woman. What's more, the autopsy spoke of 'natural death.' It took fighting to prove she died from the blows received"). This statement, reported by Le Parisien, reveals the struggles families often face when dealing with violent crimes.
For nearly six years, the investigation stagnated, and it wasn't until Irène Frain published her 2020 book, titled Un crime sans importance, detailing the story of her sister's death and her experiences with the judicial system, did the case gain traction. Her narrative forced authorities to reconsider the initial findings of natural causes and reopen the investigation. "It was certainly a coincidence," she recounted, "but two weeks prior to the release of my book, I finally had access to the investigation file as a civil party, and I placed all my hopes with the new team of investigators."]
The cold case began to see new life, particularly with the emergence of DNA evidence from the hammer used to kill Denise. Me Jean-Baptiste Laplace, Irène's lawyer, indicated, "Il existe une trace ADN sur ce marteau. La difficulté cependant, c'est que cet ADN n'est pas complet" (Translation: "There is DNA on this hammer. The difficulty, though, is this DNA is not complete"). This fragmented DNA continues to pose significant challenges for investigators, as it does not provide enough details to identify the assailant definitively.
At the center of this tragic story is the impact on Irène, who is unwavering in her pursuit of justice for her sister. During her appearance on Appel à témoins, she made it clear: "Je veux savoir qui l’a tuée. Et puis, il faut retrouver son assassin car si les attaques se sont arrêtées à Brétigny, cela ne veut pas dire qu’il n’a pas continué ailleurs" (Translation: "I want to know who killed her. And we must find her killer because even if the attacks have stopped at Brétigny, it doesn’t mean he hasn't continued elsewhere").
The program also aims to reach out to the public, hoping someone might have new information. The emotional weight of the show creates palpable tension as viewers are reminded of the violent and senseless nature of the crime. Irène's passion to find answers is not just for her sister, but also out of concern for potential future victims.
Despite the pain and frustration of waiting for justice, Irène Frain is resolute. She continues to speak out, raising awareness about the case and the broader issue of violence against the elderly. Her dedication to unearth the truth behind Denise Le Pohon’s murder serves as both tribute and relentless pursuit of justice, with the steadfast hope of finding closure for her family and community.
Six years on, the case remains open, and Denise Le Pohon’s story serves as both a reminder of the fragility of life and the quest for justice. Irène's tale of determination shines as beacons for families caught in the grips of violent crime, showcasing the indomitable spirit of those fighting for truth.
