France: Teenager indicted for murder of 86-year-old woman

A 15-year-old boy confessed to the brutal murder of an 86-year-old woman in the Gard region of France, near Le Grau-du-Roi. The teenager, who had no prior record, admitted to the crime during his police custody on June 11. He has been indicted for murder and placed in detention, as announced by the Nîmes prosecutor, Cécile Gensac, on Thursday.

The suspect, who had no connection to the victim, claimed to have premeditated the act. He reportedly hid the murder weapon, a drill, in a bush before retrieving it later. He also wore gloves and a surgical mask to conceal his identity. The prosecutor indicated that the victim died from a "fatal perforation" to the neck, without confirming the specific weapon used.

Investigators identified the suspect with the help of witnesses who saw him fleeing the scene and through surveillance camera footage. The mental state of the accused is currently unknown, as a psychological and psychiatric expert was not available. The young man, described as a good student with friends, reportedly explained his actions as a "visceral need to inflict pain," stemming from family relationship issues. His family had reportedly tried unsuccessfully to find him psychological help.