Benoît’s Murder in Dax: 16-Year-Old Suspect Indicted for Assassination and Remanded in Custody

A 16-year-old boy has been indicted for assassination and placed in pre-trial detention on Sunday, June 8, after voluntarily turning himself in the previous evening at the Bordeaux police station. He is suspected of fatally stabbing 17-year-old Benoît on the night of May 31 in Dax, during spontaneous street celebrations following Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League victory.

The incident occurred around 11 p.m. in the city center, where hundreds had gathered to watch the PSG–Inter Milan final in local bars, in the absence of an official fan zone. According to the public prosecutor, the attack was not directly linked to the sporting event, but stemmed from a personal conflict between the suspect and the victim.

A Personal Dispute Suggesting Premeditation

The investigation, now under the jurisdiction of the Mont-de-Marsan judicial authority, is being conducted on the charge of assassination, as early findings suggest the act may have been premeditated. Prosecutors cite “a prior conflict” between the teenagers: the victim had reportedly accused the suspect of stealing his cap days before the fatal attack. This previous dispute may have motivated what investigators describe as a targeted act, involving several knife wounds to the chest.

The suspect, who is already known to police and judicial services for prior offenses—particularly for carrying a category D weapon—remained silent during his initial appearance before the investigating judge. As a minor, he faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, half the maximum sentence applicable to adults for the same charge.

A City in Mourning, a Father’s Grief

Benoît, remembered by his father as “a kind, generous, discreet, full-of-life and courageous boy,” would have turned 18 on June 6. That day, hundreds gathered at the scene of the attack to honor his memory in a solemn public tribute.

The killing has deeply shaken the town of Dax, struck by tragedy in what was meant to be a festive moment. The investigation continues as authorities seek to fully uncover the circumstances surrounding the deadly attack.