Jonathann Daval took part in tearful tribute march but has now admitted he ‘accidentally caused her death’, lawyer says

This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The husband of a woman who was found burned and strangled near her usual jogging route in eastern France has confessed to killing her, a defence lawyer says.

Attorney Randall Schwerdorffer told reporters on Tuesday that 34-year-old Jonathann Daval “caused the death” of 29-year-old Alexia Daval in October 2017.

Schwerdorffer says his client told police he strangled his wife “accidentally” following a marital dispute.

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Daval reported her missing on 28 October, telling police she had not returned from a jog. Her body was found two days later.

The killing prompted marches and memorial runs in Alexia Duval’s honour. In November, Jonathann Daval appeared distraught and in tears while reading a tribute to his wife at one such event.