Toulouse: 5 Arrested in 9 Days After Attempted Hit

A swift nine-day investigation culminated in the arrest of five individuals in connection with a planned, organized attempted murder in the Haute-Garonne region of France. The events unfolded between January 18th and January 26th, 2025, originating in Ondes and concluding in Toulouse, with key moments occurring in Auterive and Mondonville.

A Hideout Discovered in an Airbnb

The investigation began with a bullet impacting the wall of a Toulouse apartment. A subsequent search of a nearby Airbnb revealed what authorities believe was a staging area, containing two revolvers, an automatic pistol, and a pump-action shotgun. Ballistic analysis confirmed the weapons were linked to the shooting that occurred nine days prior in Ondes, a small community of 800 residents north of Grenade.

The Alleged Masterminds: Two Women

According to investigators, the alleged masterminds behind the attempted murder are two women. The victim, a 35-year-old father, was reportedly lured from his home under the pretense of a vehicle incident before being shot at least six times, sustaining injuries to his arm and leg.

Did You Know? The alleged shooter, identified as a hired hitman, was recently released from prison in Béziers just 35 days before the attempted murder.

Investigators have identified the victim’s 29-year-old partner as one of the alleged orchestrators, though she denies any involvement. Her 31-year-old sister-in-law is identified as the co-conspirator. A 26-year-old man is believed to be the hired shooter, and a fifth individual acted as an intermediary. The person who initially approached the victim’s home is a 17-year-old minor.

Despite 96 hours of questioning, authorities have yet to determine who stole the vehicle used in the ambush near Auterive, which was later abandoned in Mondonville, or the motivations behind the attempted murder.

Expert Insight: The rapid arrests in this case demonstrate effective inter-agency cooperation between police and gendarmerie forces. The involvement of a minor and a recently released prisoner suggests a complex network of individuals and potentially escalating criminal activity in the region.

An official judicial investigation has been launched. Prosecutors have stated that a conviction for attempted murder as part of an organized group carries a potential sentence of life imprisonment. All five individuals are currently being held in pre-trial detention.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ages were the individuals arrested?

The five individuals arrested ranged in age from 17 to 31 years old.

Where did the investigation begin?

The investigation began with a bullet found in the wall of an apartment in Toulouse, leading authorities to a nearby Airbnb.

What is the maximum penalty for the alleged crime?

The maximum penalty for attempted murder as part of an organized group is life imprisonment.

As the investigation continues, will the motivations behind this alleged crime ever be revealed?