Johanna Blanes
Died 7 July 2019
Who they were
Johanna came from Toulouse and lived in Saint-Pierre-du-Mont. She was the mother of a 19-month-old boy and was remembered for her joy of living. Friends organised a silent march in her memory along the route she walked that night.
What happened
On Sunday morning 7 July 2019, Johanna was found dead in the Laspécès tunnel in Mont-de-Marsan after a night out. The court found she had been raped and strangled. A Syrian refugee who had lived in the area since 2016 was sentenced to 30 years in prison with a 22-year security period (Landes assize court, 10 June 2022); he did not appeal.
Verdict / confirmation
30 years' imprisonment with 22-year security period (cour d'assises des Landes, 10 Jun 2022); no appeal.
Perpetrator: A Syrian refugee (status since arrival in 2016 with his wife). Convicted of rape and murder; 30 years' imprisonment + 22-year security period, Landes assize court 10 Jun 2022; no appeal (Sud Ouest, France Bleu).