A Mother and Her Partner on Trial for the Death of 13-Year-Old Amandine: Admission of Guilt and Revelations of Family Horror

Sandrine P., the mother of 13-year-old Amandine, has admitted to the charges against her for the first time during the trial held before the Assize Court of Hérault. Accused of starving her daughter to death and committing acts of torture and barbarity, she faces life imprisonment. Her partner, Jean-Michel C., risks 30 years in prison for having “deprived his stepdaughter of care or food.”

Belated Confessions Amid Overwhelming Evidence
On August 6, 2020, Amandine died of cardiac arrest at the family home in Montblanc, near Béziers. At the time of her death, she weighed only 28 kilograms (62 pounds) for a height of 1.55 meters (5’1″). After four years of denial, Sandrine P. admitted to starving her daughter and inflicting extreme humiliation, including confining her in a room for weeks. During the hearing, an audio recording from 2019, made by neighbors, was played in court, revealing Amandine’s cries and pleas.

Heartbreaking Testimonies and Family Trauma
The president of the court, Éric Emmanuelidis, described the household as a “family dictatorship.” Heartbreaking testimonies from Cassandra and Jérémy, Amandine’s older siblings, shed light on the physical and psychological abuse they endured. Cassandra recounted being deprived of food and suffering severe beatings as a child, while Jérémy described humiliating punishments and death threats.

Faced with overwhelming evidence, Sandrine P. finally acknowledged the accusations but failed to provide any explanation for her actions. Jean-Michel C., meanwhile, expressed deep guilt, admitting his role in the neglect and abuse.

A Verdict Awaited with Emotion
The verdict, expected on Friday, will bring this trial to a close, marking a judicial acknowledgment of the horrors endured by Amandine and her siblings in this tragic case.