Affaire Alessandri: New Investigative Book Claims Judicial Error in 2000 Murder Case
PERNES-LES-FONTAINES, 06 February 2026 – The French justice system faces renewed scrutiny today following the release of a bombshell investigative book, Les Deux Mégots (The Two Cigarette Butts), which claims to prove the innocence of Edwige Alessandri. Mrs Alessandri was previously convicted three times for the murder of her husband, Richard Alessandri, in a case that has gripped the Vaucluse department for over a quarter of a century.
A Cold Case Reheated
On the night of 16 July 2000, Richard Alessandri, the director of an Intermarché supermarket, was shot dead in his bed at the family home in Pernes-les-Fontaines. His wife, Edwige, maintained from the outset that four masked intruders had broken into the property. However, investigators quickly turned their focus toward her, citing a lack of evidence of a break-in and what they described as her “inconsistent” testimony.
Despite her persistent claims of innocence, Edwige Alessandri was sentenced to 12 years in prison. The new investigation by journalist Geoffrey Le Guilcher, published today by Goutte d’Or, suggests that the gendarmerie and the judiciary ignored crucial physical evidence—specifically two cigarette butts found at the scene—that could have identified the real culprits.
Key Facts of the Alessandri Case
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Crime | 16 July 2000 |
| Location | Pernes-les-Fontaines, Vaucluse, France |
| Victim | Richard Alessandri (Supermarket Director) |
| Convicted | Edwige Alessandri (Wife) |
| Sentence | 12 years imprisonment (served) |
| New Evidence (2026) | DNA and witness testimony regarding four burglars |
New Revelations and Potential Retrial
Le Guilcher’s book, Les Deux Mégots, provides testimony from an ex-partner of one of the alleged burglars, who reportedly confirmed the group’s involvement in the 2000 home invasion. The investigation argues that the “Alessandri mystique” and a rush to judgment led to a tunnel-vision approach by local authorities.
Legal experts suggest that these revelations could form the basis for a formal request for a revision of the trial. While Edwige Alessandri has already served her sentence, a successful appeal would represent a rare and significant exoneration in French legal history, correcting what the author describes as an “implacable” failure of the magistracy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Edwige Alessandri?
Edwige Alessandri is the widow of Richard Alessandri. She was convicted of his murder in 2000 but has always maintained that her husband was killed by burglars who entered their home at night.
What is the significance of the book ‘Les Deux Mégots’?
Published on 06 February 2026, the book by Geoffrey Le Guilcher presents a counter-investigation that refutes the original police findings and identifies potential suspects who were never prosecuted.
Is this related to the Alessandri family in Chile?
No. While the name Alessandri is prominent in Chilean history (notably former Presidents Arturo and Jorge Alessandri), there is no connection between the South American political dynasty and the French criminal case in Vaucluse.