Grenoble Union Leader Shot Dead While Aiding Accident Victim; Suspect Arrested in Portugal
November 21, 2024
Lilian Dejean, a 49-year-old municipal cleaner and union leader in Grenoble, was tragically shot and killed on September 8, 2024, while trying to prevent a driver from fleeing the scene of an accident.
Grenoble's mayor, Eric Piolle, expressed relief over Diallo's arrest and reiterated support for Dejean's grieving family.
Investigations revealed that Diallo fled the Grenoble area after the incident, heading south and having connections in Portugal, including a Portuguese partner.
The incident occurred when Dejean exited his vehicle to assist after an Audi RS3, driven by the suspect, crashed into another car; the driver then shot Dejean twice in the chest.
The driver, who was intoxicated, attempted to flee the scene, prompting a passerby to intervene.
Following the shooting, a European arrest warrant was issued for the suspect, Abdoul Diallo, on September 16.
Diallo, 24, was arrested in Portugal on November 21, 2024, thanks to the collaborative efforts of French police and European judicial authorities.
Diallo has a lengthy criminal history, with 19 convictions primarily related to violence and drug trafficking, and has spent six of the last ten years in prison.
Me Romain Ruiz, the lawyer for Dejean's family, expressed hope for justice following the suspect's arrest, viewing it as a pivotal moment in their pursuit of accountability.
Dejean's death sparked significant public outcry, leading to a march in his honor in Grenoble, reflecting community support and outrage over the violence.
The incident not only caused emotional distress among Dejean's colleagues and local residents but also highlighted the rising trend of gang-related violence in Grenoble.
Authorities have reported a concerning spike in gun violence in the region, with at least 17 shootings linked to drug trafficking conflicts in 2024.
Summary based on 9 sources