NANTERRE, France — Dominique Pélicot, notorious for drugging his then-wife, Gisèle Pélicot, to facilitate her repeated rapes by strangers, is now embroiled in new legal troubles. Currently serving a 20-year prison sentence following his December conviction for the horrific abuse of his ex-wife, Dominique is under investigation for two cold cases of rape and murder dating back to the 1990s.

The two cases under scrutiny include the murder of Sophie Narme, a real estate agent killed in Paris on December 4, 1991, and the attempted rape of another agent in 1999. Both assaults are being handled by a specialized cold case unit in the Paris suburb of Nanterre.

Pélicot maintains his innocence regarding Narme's murder, although he acknowledges meeting the victim from the 1999 case, admitting to attempts at undressing her while denying any intent to rape. His lawyer, Béatrice Zavarro, mentioned that Dominique has been under formal investigation since October 2022, indicating substantial evidence against him has been accumulated.

Florence Rault, representing the families of the victims, noted striking similarities between the cases, suggesting a possible connection. She remarked, “The mode of operation and the profile of the victims are too alike not to raise questions about potential links,” highlighting the growing concerns over Pélicot's past actions. Rault emphasized caution, pointing out the need for thorough investigation and verification before drawing conclusions.

The reopening of these cases comes in a turbulent climate after Gisèle Pélicot courageously testified in court, emerging as a symbol of resilience for victims of sexual violence. Her public trial drew significant attention in France, leading to renewed debates regarding consent, victim rights, and societal awareness of sexual violence. The horrific evidence includes chilling videos and photographs that reveal the extent of her abuse, leading many to recognize her as a heroic figure.

As Pélicot undergoes questioning over these allegations, the sheer gravity of his crimes, both past and present, continues to cast a long shadow over discussions of sexual violence and justice in France.

To read more on the ongoing investigations and the implications of this case, visit the AP News coverage.