School Supervisor Killed in Nogent: 14-Year-Old Student Indicted for Aggravated Murder and Remanded in Custody

A violent crime shocked the Françoise-Dolto middle school in Nogent (Haute-Marne) on Tuesday, June 10. Mélanie, a 31-year-old school supervisor, was fatally stabbed during a routine bag check at the school entrance. The alleged perpetrator, a 14-year-old student, was quickly apprehended. Two days later, he was formally charged with aggravated murder, due to the victim’s status as a public service worker.

Indicted for Aggravated Murder

The Dijon public prosecutor’s office announced on Thursday, June 12, that the teenager had also been placed in pre-trial detention. As a minor under the age of 16, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. During police questioning, the suspect admitted to the crime and said he had wanted to “kill a supervisor, any one of them”, raising the question of premeditation.

During his arrest, a gendarme was injured in the hand. For this incident, the boy has been granted assisted witness status, although prosecutors had initially requested his indictment for aggravated assault.

Psychological Assessment Underway

The Chaumont prosecutor described the boy as being “fascinated by violence” and “detached from the value of human life.” However, he noted that the suspect currently shows no signs of mental illness. The teenager’s lawyer, Antoine Chateau, emphasized that psychological and psychiatric evaluations would be carried out during the investigation.

School Community in Mourning

The Nogent middle school reopened Thursday morning in a heavy atmosphere. At noon, a nationwide minute of silence was observed in all French schools, at the request of Education Minister Élisabeth Borne. A psychological support unit has been set up for students and staff.

Tributes and Gatherings

On Wednesday, a silent rally was held by the FSU teachers’ union in Chaumont’s town square. A white march in memory of Mélanie is scheduled for Friday, June 13 at 6 p.m., starting from the school. Her family has invited the public to join them in paying tribute.