Man accused of letting 51 men rape his wife - Who is Dominique Pelicot?

This story contains distressing and disturbing details. Reader discretion is advised. 

France - A 71-year-old man in France is on trial for drugging and raping his wife over a period of more than ten years, as well as orchestrating similar assaults by other men. The man allegedly used online platforms to recruit strangers to sexually assault his wife while she was heavily sedated, and she was unaware of the abuse. The shocking case has deeply disturbed France, with 92 instances of rape by 72 men identified. The victim, now 72 years old, only became aware of the abuse in 2020. The upcoming trial is expected to be a harrowing experience for her as she will have to witness video evidence of the abuse she endured for the first time.

Dominique Pelicot was arrested in September 2020 after a security guard caught him secretly filming under the skirts of three women. During the investigation, police discovered disturbing images and videos on his computer showing his wife unconscious, suggesting instances of assault that started in 2011. Further investigation revealed online chats where Dominique Pelicot allegedly invited strangers to their home to rape his wife. During questioning, Dominique Pelicot admitted to providing his wife with strong tranquilizers and actively participating in the rapes, filming them, and using degrading language to encourage the other men involved. It is worth noting that no financial transactions were involved in these incidents.

The accused rapists in the trial have various backgrounds and ages, ranging from 26 to 74. Some participants only took part once, while others allegedly participated multiple times at the urging of Dominique Pelicot. The defense argues that they were fulfilling shared fantasies, but Dominique Pelicot stated that everyone involved knew his wife was drugged and in a coma-like state. Dominique Pelicot's lawyer announced that he plans to confront his family and wife during the trial. The trial, taking place in Avignon, France, started on November 29 and is expected to last until December 20. The victim attended the trial with her children, choosing not to have a closed-door trial, which is what the attackers would have preferred. Dominique Pelicot also faces previous charges for murder and rape, which he denies, as well as an admitted attempted rape in 1999.

Attempted Rape 1999

In 1991 Estella B. worked as a young estate agent in Seine-et-Marne, north of Paris. On May 11, 1999, while she was showing an apartment in the town of Villeparisis to a man who had visited the agency earlier that day, he violently attacked her. He choked her, held a knife to her throat, forced her to lie face down, tied her hands, used an ether-soaked cloth to make her unconscious, and proceeded to remove her shoes and pants. However, the brave victim eventually regained consciousness, freed herself, and scared off her assailant.

Fast forward to October 2022 in Marseille, Dominique Pelicot. found himself facing investigators from the criminal investigation department. During the second round of questioning, the authorities informed him that his DNA had been discovered on one of the victim's shoes and on the carpet of the Villeparisis apartment. However, he persistently denied any involvement. During the start of the third interrogation, he finally declared, "I'm going to tell you the truth, especially for the young woman who has probably grown up and is seeking answers. It was me."

Accused of Rape & Murder 1991

Dominique Pelicot,, is believed to be connected to the heinous crime involving the rape and murder of Sophie Narme. Sophie, a young and promising 23-year-old real estate agent, tragically met her demise when her dismembered body was discovered. While concrete DNA evidence has not yet surfaced to directly link Pelicot to the crime, the circumstances surrounding the incident bear alarming resemblances to his previously admitted assault on another real estate agent back in 1999. Despite Pelicot strongly denying any involvement in this tragic event, the striking similarities between the two cases make it difficult to dismiss the possibility of mere coincidence. This brings forth a critical question: is Dominique Pelicot, in fact, responsible for Sophie Narme's horrifying fate? Additional evidence may be necessary to unravel this deeply unsettling mystery and bring justice to the innocent victim.