Two men have been charged with murder related to a shooting that occurred during a wedding celebration in southeastern France, resulting in the death of a 27-year-old bride. Prosecutors have indicated that the assailants are linked to a criminal gang. The tragic event took place last Sunday in Goult, a scenic hilltop village, where gunmen opened fire on guests, suggesting a potential connection to drug-related activities. The attack occurred in a parking area outside the village hall, as four masked individuals targeted several attendees, including the newlyweds and the bride’s 13-year-old nephew.
Marseille prosecutor Nicolas Bessone reported that the bride sustained multiple gunshot wounds near her carotid artery, leading to her death. The groom also suffered several upper body injuries, while the nephew sustained a critical lung injury. Additionally, the groom’s sister was shot in the shoulder. During the confrontation, one of the attackers was killed, reportedly from gunfire and being struck by a vehicle.
The remaining three fled the scene, with two captured hours later in a nearby town, while one remains at large. It has been noted that these suspects may be connected to another shooting incident on the same day in Avignon, where one individual was killed and another injured. After spending 96 hours in police custody, the two suspects were brought before a magistrate and charged with murder and attempted murder as members of an organized crime gang. Although the specific motives have not been disclosed, investigators believe the violence may be tied to drug-related disputes, as the groom had a history of involvement in drug and organized crime offenses.
Goult, with a population of just over 1,000, is situated approximately 50 miles north of Marseille, a city that has witnessed a rise in drug-related violence in recent years. The French government has pledged to ramp up efforts against narcotics and drug-related crimes.