Ex-French Police Officer Arrested in Portugal for Suspected Double Murder of Partners
Portuguese authorities have apprehended a former French police officer, Cedric Prizzon, who is suspected of the brutal murders of his current partner and his ex-girlfriend following their kidnapping along with their children. The arrest occurred near Meda in northern Portugal, marking a dramatic turn in an international manhunt that spanned multiple countries.
Details of the Arrest and Discovery
On Tuesday, Portuguese police stopped Cedric Prizzon, aged 42, while he was driving a vehicle containing his two children: a 12-year-old boy and an 18-month-old baby girl. The arrest led to a chilling discovery the following day, as officers located two bodies buried in an isolated area. Preliminary investigations suggest the victims are the suspect's partner and ex-partner, although formal identification procedures are still underway to confirm their identities and gather evidence.
Inside the vehicle, police uncovered a pump-action shotgun, counterfeit documents, fake license plates, and approximately 17,000 euros in cash. These findings have intensified the investigation, pointing to possible premeditation and illicit activities by the suspect.
Background of the Suspect and Custody Battle
Cedric Prizzon, a former member of the Paris police force and a one-time rugby league youth international, had been embroiled in a highly public and acrimonious custody dispute with his ex-partner. As a father's rights activist, he had previously been convicted of harassing his ex-girlfriend after illegally taking their son to Spain for several weeks in 2021. This conviction resulted in him being stripped of his custody rights, fueling his ongoing conflict.
In recent months, Prizzon escalated his campaign against his ex-partner by using social media and local media outlets to accuse her of endangering their son. He also participated in protests alongside other fathers who had lost custody of their children, highlighting the depth of his grievances.
Timeline of Events and International Manhunt
The manhunt for Prizzon began last week after both women disappeared from their homes in the Aveyron region of south-central France. His ex-partner, aged 40, failed to report to her job at an insurance company, and their son was absent from school. Simultaneously, Prizzon, his new 26-year-old partner, and their infant daughter were reported missing from their residence in the nearby village of Savignac.
French detectives quickly identified Prizzon as the prime suspect in the abductions, prompting a cross-border search that culminated in his arrest in Portugal. The two children found with him are now set to be returned to France, where authorities will ensure their safety and well-being.
Legal Proceedings and Public Reaction
Following his arrest, Cedric Prizzon appeared before a judge on Thursday at the Vila Nova de Foz Coa court, located near his detention site. The proceedings were met with public outrage, as bystanders chanted "Killer! Killer!" while he was escorted to the provincial court, as witnessed by an AFP journalist.
Portuguese police have emphasized that their investigation is ongoing, with efforts focused on consolidating evidence and formally identifying the victims. The case has drawn significant attention due to Prizzon's background as a former law enforcement officer and his involvement in high-profile custody battles, raising questions about domestic violence and parental rights issues.
