Full Breakdown
French Ex-Police Officer Arrested in Portugal for Kidnapping and Double Homicide
3/26/2026, 9:41:35 PM
Overview of the Incident
On March 26, 2026, Cedric Prizzon, a 41-year-old former French police officer, was arrested in Portugal and is facing charges of kidnapping and the murder of his current and former partners. The bodies of the two women were discovered buried in a remote area in northern Portugal, prompting a significant investigation by local authorities.
Arrest and Discovery of Victims
Prizzon was apprehended by traffic police near Mêda, Portugal, after presenting forged documents. He was traveling with two children, aged approximately 12 years and under two, and had recently driven from France. A search of his vehicle revealed an unlicensed firearm and approximately 17,000 euros (about $19,650) in cash. Following his arrest, investigators found the bodies of the two women, believed to be his current partner and his ex-girlfriend, buried in the countryside.
Background of the Suspect
Cedric Prizzon, originally from the Aveyron region of southern France, has a history of legal issues, including a previous conviction for harassment against his former partner. He was involved in a contentious custody battle over their son, which had escalated to public protests advocating for fathers' rights. Prizzon had previously illegally taken their son to Spain in 2021, resulting in the loss of his custody rights.
Timeline of Events
- March 19, 2026: A woman and her 13-year-old son disappear from their home in Vailhourles, Aveyron, France.
- March 26, 2026: Prizzon is arrested in Portugal, and the bodies of the two women are discovered shortly thereafter.
Official Statements & Responses
Nicolas Rigot-Muller, a prosecutor in Rodez, France, confirmed that an investigation had been initiated regarding the suspected kidnapping and unlawful confinement of the missing woman and her son. He noted that Prizzon was the former partner of the missing woman and that his current partner was also unaccounted for. The Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) and the Criminal Police (PJ) are actively involved in the ongoing investigation.
Criticism & Opposition
Local residents expressed shock and horror at the events surrounding the case. One villager described Prizzon as "unhinged" but did not believe he would resort to murder. This sentiment reflects a broader concern about the potential for domestic violence in custody disputes, particularly in cases involving fathers' rights activists.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While authorities have confirmed the identities of the victims as Prizzon's current and former partners, the investigation is still ongoing, and formal identification procedures are being conducted. Additionally, there are no updates on the whereabouts of the missing woman’s son.
What's Next
Prizzon is scheduled to appear before a judge at the Vila Nova de Foz Coa Court in Guarda, Portugal, where further legal proceedings will determine the next steps in this high-profile case. The investigation continues as authorities work to gather more evidence and clarify the circumstances surrounding the disappearances and subsequent murders.
