New head for French probe into Sophie Toscan du Plantier killing

A lawyer advising the relatives of French film producer Sophie Toscan du Plantier, who was murdered at her holiday home near Schull in West Cork 20 years ago, has welcomed the appointment of a new judge to head up the investigation taking place in France.

Alain Spilliaert, who advises Ms Toscan du Plantier’s parents, said Judge Nathalie Turquey was a respected choice to replace Judge Patrick Gachon in heading up the French investigation into the murder.

“Nathalie Turquey is a very experienced magistrate who has investigated many high-profile cases so she is a very good choice to replace Judge Gachon, who led the investigation for the past seven years,” he said.

Mr Spilliaert said Ms Turquey previously investigated the killing of French actor Marie Trintignant by her boyfriend, rock singer Bertrand Cantat.

Trintignant died aged 41 of cerebral edema, on August 1, 2003, as a result of being repeatedly punched by her boyfriend, the lead singer with the French rock group Noir Désir. Mr Spilliaert said Ms Turquey is a very skilled investigator, as was evident from her probe of Trintignant’s death.

“The Trintignant case had huge profile here because not only was Marie Trintignant a well-known actress, she was the daughter of actor Jean-Louis Trintignant and Bertrand Cantat was a leading rock star, but Judge Turquey did a good job in the full glare of the media spotlight.”

Sophie Toscan du Plantier is survived by her parents and son Pierre. Husband Daniel Toscan du Plantier died in 2003.