Aurélie Vaquier found in a concrete sarcophagus in Bédarieux: what to remember from the second day of the trial

The forensic doctor returned to the date and cause of Aurélie's death, found on April 7, 2021 in Bédarieux. Midi Libre – MICHAEL ESDOURRUBAILH

Samire Lymani, ex-companion of Aurélie Vaquier, found in a concrete sarcophagus on April 7, 2021, at their home in Bédarieux (Hérault), has been on trial since Tuesday January 9 before the assizes of the Hérault. The trial is scheduled to last until January 17. A look back at this second day of hearing.

What to remember from the second day of the trial of Samire Lymani, tried by the Assize Court of Hérault for feminicide since Tuesday January 9 ?

He is accused of having killed his ex-partner Aurélie Vaquier found hidden under a concrete slab, in her home in Bédarieux, on April 7, 2021, two and a half months after her disappearance. What he disputes.

1. The cause and date of death: the answers of the forensic pathologist

One of the highlights of the day. The forensic doctor who carried out the autopsy of the victim as well as the additional analyzes came to provide valuable explanations.

The expert indicated that we cannot know with precision the day of death, the body having been protected by the tarpaulin from scavenging insects which make it possible to date a more precisely dead. The lawyer assures him: "the court is seized for acts committed between January 25 and 31, this is not incompatible".

The cause of death next.  Difficult to establish because there is only a very slight trace of a blow on the face. The specialist, under the spotlight of questions, mentions a cardiac arrest linked to pressure on the carotid artery. "A catch of sleep" from behind is possible. But she does not conclude that Aurélie Vaquier was placed unconscious and therefore alive in her improvised grave.

2. The suspicions of Jérémy Vaquier, the victim's brother

This is the other highlight of the day, the testimony of Jérémy Vaquier, civil party. The victim's brother returned to his relationship with his sister with whom he was close and to the accused Samire Lymani, whom he initially thinks is innocent. Before having serious doubts when Aurélie has not yet been found and the accused does not want to come and go on a hunt: "I told him: But it&rsquo It's Aurélie we're looking for, not mushrooms! You drop everything and come!". 

3. The amnesia of the accused's ex-wife

Heard by videoconference, the ex-wife and mother of Samire Lymani's two children, defended him. She describes him as "kind, good father, naive”. She only talks about an episode of violence, "a slap" received in ten years of marriage. But refuses to confirm that he was violent and that you had to be careful with him, as she says on several listens. "I said nonsense" she said.     

4. DNA and concrete experts at the helm.

Nothing was left to chance in this case and several experts came to the bar to testify. DNA is sometimes the queen of evidence. In the file, traces noted that are not those of the victim or the accused are rare.

A genetics expert nevertheless confirmed what Mr Montfort noted in defense on the analysis of the tarpaulin in which the body of the deceased was found: & ;quot;yes there is unknown DNA on the tarpaulin" indicates the specialist. Unknown because he does not appear on any file of convicted persons.

A concrete expert is also asked to discuss the macabre concrete slab under which the deceased was buried. This burial was carried out in two stages with two layers of different types. What required several hours of work indicates the court, weakening the hypothesis of a third person coming to this home to kill and bury Aurélie Vaquier.