Grigny freezer murder trial opens: key suspect faces charges in concealed tragedy
Three years of silence shattered as trial begins in Grigny freezer murder case
The trial of a man accused of killing Armale Aïvohozin, a 44-year-old mother from Benin, has opened in the Essonne assize court. The case, which unfolded in Grigny’s Grande Borne district in July 2023, has shocked the community and drawn attention to the persistent issue of domestic violence.
Armale Aïvohozin, known as “Deo,” was shot twice—once in the head and once in the chest—before her body was hidden in a freezer above a butcher’s shop. The discovery came after her eldest son, unable to reach her, reported her disappearance to authorities.
Accused admits firing shots but denies intent to kill
The defendant, who was Armale’s companion, acknowledges pulling the trigger but claims the shooting was accidental. This version of events will be scrutinized during the trial, which began on November 2, 2026.
Investigators allege that the man was deeply possessive, with neighbors and relatives reporting multiple instances of him threatening self-harm if his partner tried to leave him. These factors may play a role in the court’s assessment of his state of mind at the time of the incident.
Family demands answers as eldest son testifies
The trial took a poignant turn when Armale’s 27-year-old son took the stand to recount her final days. He described how her sudden silence after a routine drop-off in Grande Borne triggered his alarm, prompting him to search for her. The testimony shed light on the family’s growing unease in the days before her body was found.
During the hearing, he recounted being misled by the accused, who claimed she had left in a hired car. What followed was a harrowing discovery that exposed the true fate of his mother.
Second man faces charges for obstructing justice
A second individual is on trial for concealing the body and altering the crime scene. Prosecutors argue these actions were deliberate efforts to obstruct the investigation and delay the revelation of the truth.
The trial aims to clarify how the body ended up in the freezer, as well as the roles played by both defendants in the aftermath of the shooting.
Verdict expected within days as case highlights domestic violence crisis
The trial concludes on November 4, 2026, with a verdict anticipated by week’s end. Beyond the sensational circumstances of the concealment, the case underscores the urgent need for systemic action against gender-based violence.
The victim’s family, still seeking closure three years after her death, hopes the proceedings will finally reveal what happened in those final hours. Under French law, the accused remains innocent until proven guilty.
