In the front row, the family of Victorine Dartois stands, very dignified, united in mourning and sorrow. There are the parents, Sylvie and James, the sisters, Perrine and Romane and Rémy, the big brother. When Ludovic Bertin enters the accused box, everyone stares intently at the man who admitted to having killed the young girl on September 26, 2020 in Villefontaine. He, throughout the day, will always avoid their gazes. Ludovic Bertin, gray polo shirt and shaved hair, is much more frail, more emaciated, than in the photos he posted of himself on social networks four years ago.
When the president reads the indictment order, he remains impassive while Victorine’s mother grimaces with grief to hold back her tears, listening to the magistrate recount the ordeal of her daughter, who “saw herself die”, according to the family’s lawyer. Painful reading, in heavy silence.
Maître Kelly Monteiro, the lawyer for the family of Victorine Dartois © Radio France – Véronique Pueyo
Once the Assize Court is constituted (six jurors and four additional jurors, five women and five men), the clerk calls the witnesses. Then the court hears the personality investigator who met the accused in 2021. He is by videoconference from Reunion. He explains that Ludovic Bertin was mistreated by his mother when he was a child and that he was not recognized by his father, who died when he was nine years old. He has five half-siblings. He recounts a chaotic schooling. Ludovic Bertin also admits to being dependent on alcohol and cocaine. He is married and has a son, now five years old. His wife explains that both were “big mouths” and could fight. She also says he was a good father but a fickle husband.
Maître Arnaud Adélise, Ludovic Bertin’s lawyer, affirms that his client is ready to explain himself © Radio France – Véronique Pueyo
He also explains that Ludovic Bertin presented himself as the manager of a transport company. But he did not pay himself a salary, again according to the personality investigator. “How then could he afford his daily drugs?” asks the president. The investigator does not know. The president then turns to the accused to find out if he has something to say. He stands up and recites this sentence, as if he had repeated it with his lawyer : “I am happy that the judgment can begin, so that I can give as many explanations as possible to the Dartois family. Even if I am aware that everything I say will not repair what I did.”
This Tuesday, December 26, on the second day of Ludovic Bertin’s trial, several witnesses will be interviewed, including his brother and his two half-brothers. His mother provided a medical certificate so as not to come and testify on the stand. The debates are scheduled to last two weeks. The verdict is expected on December 6.
Understanding the Victorine Dartois affair
How do the differing narratives surrounding Ludovic Bertin’s past – his difficult childhood and struggles with addiction – impact the jury’s understanding of his culpability in Victorine Dartois’s death?
## World Today News Interview: The Victorine Dartois Trial
**Welcome back to World Today News.** Today, we are joined by two esteemed guests to discuss the ongoing trial of Ludovic Bertin, accused of the murder of young Victorine Dartois in 2020.
Joining us is **Maître Kelly Monteiro**, the lawyer representing the Dartois family, and **Maître Arnaud Adélise**, Ludovic Bertin’s legal counsel. Welcome to both of you.
**Section I: The Emotional Impact**
**Interviewer:** Maître Monteiro, the article depicts the immense grief and pain experienced by Victorine’s family. Can you elaborate on the emotional toll this tragedy has had on them, and how they are coping with the trial process itself?
**Maître Monteiro:** (Response)
**Interviewer:** Maître Adélise, while representing your client, you must also acknowledge the gravity of the charges and the profound impact on the victim’s family. How do you balance your legal duty to your client with the human cost of this crime?
**Maître Adélise:** (Response)
**Section II: Understanding the Accused**
**Interviewer:** The article highlights Ludovic Bertin’s troubled past: a difficult childhood, drug dependency, and a history of volatile relationships. Maître Adélise, can you shed light on how these factors might have contributed to the events leading to Victorine’s death?
**Maître Adélise:** (Response)
**Interviewer:** Maître Monteiro, how do you respond to the defense’s arguments regarding Bertin’s background? Do you believe these factors mitigate the severity of his actions?
**Maître Monteiro:** (Response)
**Section III: Seeking Justice**
**Interviewer:** The trial is expected to last two weeks. What are your hopes for the outcome of this trial, Maître Monteiro? What kind of impact do you hope it will have on the Dartois family and on society as a whole?
**Maître Monteiro:** (Response)
**Interviewer:** Maître Adélise, what is your strategy for defending your client? How do you hope the jury will perceive Ludovic Bertin’s statement and his willingness to take responsibility?
**Maître Adélise:** (Response)
**Section IV: Looking Ahead**
**Interviewer:** This case has undoubtedly shaken the community of Villefontaine. What lessons do you think can be learned from Victorine’s tragedy, Maître Monteiro?
**Maître Monteiro:** (Response)
**Interviewer:**
what message would you like to convey to the public following this case, Maître Adélise?
**Maître Adélise:** (Response)
**Closing:**
Thank you both for sharing your valuable insights with us today. This case serves as a powerful reminder of the weight of justice and the enduring impact of tragedy on families and communities. We will continue to follow the developments of this trial closely.
**Disclaimer:** This interview is a fictional reconstruction based on the provided article and should not be considered a factual account of the trial proceedings or the guests’ actual stances.
