On the evening of May 6, 2025, a 43-year-old man was shot dead in a grocery store in Valréas, a small town in Vaucluse, France. This shocking incident occurred around 21:00 at a night grocery store located on rue Jules-Faye, a street that runs parallel to the local Mission locale. Witnesses reported hearing multiple gunshots, prompting immediate calls to the gendarmerie.
Emergency services arrived shortly after the shooting, but despite their efforts, the store manager was pronounced dead at the scene. He sustained severe gunshot wounds to both the head and chest, underscoring the brutality of the attack. The victim was discovered by his sister-in-law, who was reportedly present at the time of the incident.
According to the Carpentras prosecutor's office, an investigation into the murder has been initiated, with the case being handled by the gendarmerie of Orange. The authorities are treating this case as a potential settling of scores, given the victim's troubled past. Reports indicate that he had been previously involved in serious criminal activities, including drug offenses, kidnapping, and murder.
Eyewitnesses described seeing a hooded figure fleeing the scene on a scooter shortly after the gunfire erupted. This detail has become a crucial lead for investigators as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
Patrick Adrien, the mayor of Valréas, expressed his shock and concern over the incident, stating, "We don't need night grocery stores." His comments reflect a growing unease about the safety in the town, which has seen a rise in nighttime businesses over the past few years. Valréas now has three night grocery stores, up from just one three years ago, a change that the mayor believes warrants regulation.
"It's a situation that has never happened before, and honestly, it has left me feeling very uneasy," Adrien said. He emphasized that Valréas is a small, quiet town, typically free from such violent crime. "We are not accustomed to this kind of thing. There are some issues with incivility, but nothing at this level. I feel bad because I strive to ensure that everything goes well in my town, but events like this tarnish our community’s image," he added.
The mayor's comments highlight a broader societal concern regarding the proliferation of night grocery stores in the area. He questioned the necessity of these businesses, asking rhetorically, "Who goes out to buy a bottle of oil at one in the morning?" Adrien believes that if abnormal events continue to occur, there should be stricter regulations on such establishments. "We are required to adhere to certain regulations for pharmacies, but nothing exists for night grocery stores, which indicates that something is amiss," he stated.
As the investigation unfolds, the gendarmerie is focused on gathering evidence that could lead to the identification and capture of the shooter. The community remains on edge, grappling with the implications of this violent act in their previously tranquil town.
The shooting in Valréas is part of a troubling trend seen in various parts of France, where local authorities are increasingly challenged by rising crime rates, particularly in smaller towns that were once considered safe. The recent uptick in violent incidents has prompted discussions among local officials about enhancing security measures and potentially revisiting regulations governing businesses that operate during late hours.
In light of this incident, residents are left questioning their safety and the future of their community. Mayor Adrien's call for more oversight reflects a growing demand for action to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence.
As Valréas grapples with this tragedy, the investigation continues, and the town awaits answers about the motives behind the shooting and the identity of the assailant. The community's resilience will be tested as they navigate the aftermath of this shocking event.
