The questioning of Eden François, presently serving a six-year term for murder in Beau-Bassin prison, has brought a new turn in the enquiry. Since Nadine Dantier was raped and killed in Albion more than a year ago, the police have questioned a number of people and tried by all possible means to shed some light upon the horrible crime. The latest information says that Eden François was in the neigh-bourhood of the crime on the fateful day.

Although Marcellin Azie remains the main suspect in this affair, a lack of evidence may urge the police to look for other possibilities in this case. Eden François, a habitual criminal, was subject to a five-hour interrogation during the week-end. He denied all the allegations against him but refused to have DNA tests done. Earlier, he had said he didn’t mind doing such tests.

On the day Nadine Dantier was killed, he was on bail waiting for his appeal to be called before the Court. As soon as his appeal was rejected, he was sent back to prison.

He was questioned after a number of people said that he was around the scene of the crime on this fateful day. Actually, he lives nearby. His lawyer, Jean-Claude Bibi, says that his client was questioned because he’s a habitual criminal and lives in the surroundings. According to him, this only shows “to what extent the police is confused in this case.” Concerning the DNA tests, Eden François’s lawyer says he has the right to refuse them.

Eden François was questioned about his actions on 25th June 2003. He gave an alibi, which the members of the Major Crime Investigation Unit should check in the coming days. He said he had nothing to do with this crime and that people are just trying to trap him.

The Dantier family have declined to comment on this new development and said they don’t know anything about Eden François.