Who Were the Dupont de Ligonnes Family?

Residing in Nantes, a city in northwestern France approximately 210 miles southwest of Paris, the Dupont de Ligonnes family was comprised of:

Xavier, the patriarch, was a nobleman and entrepreneur who managed multiple businesses, including a covertly operated firm known as SELREF. His wife, Agnes, worked as an assistant at the Blanche-de-Castille Catholic School. Those in the community described her as a kind, albeit strict, mother.

Their children included Arthur, the eldest from a previous relationship, who was 20 years old and studying in a local college while also working at a nearby pizzeria. Thomas, two years younger, recently completed his baccalaureate in literature and had a passion for music. Anne, their only daughter, was in 11th grade with a keen interest in science, while the youngest, 13-year-old Benoit, served as an altar boy at Saint-Felix Church in Nantes.

March and April 2011: A Series of Unusual Events

Leading up to the family's disappearance, several peculiar incidents occurred. Xavier informed Agnes's employer that she was suffering from gastroenteritis, followed by a text indicating she was hospitalized and unreachable. Shortly thereafter, Agnes sent a letter stating the family was moving to the United States. At the same time, Xavier ended the lease on their home and closed all bank accounts.

He even registered at a local shooting range and obtained a firearms license. On April 1, Arthur was expected to pick up his paycheck but never arrived. Two days later, a neighbor noticed Agnes and later saw Xavier loading large trash bags into his vehicle. The couple took three of their children for dinner and a movie, and that evening, Xavier ended a phone call with his sister, Christine, stating, "See you soon...maybe."

On April 3, Anne and Benoit were absent from school, which raised eyebrows, especially since rumors circulated that the family was relocating to Australia without farewells from the children.

On April 4, witnesses saw Xavier and Thomas dining together, but their interaction was minimal. The following day, a bailiff knocked on their door regarding a 20,000 euro debt but received no response. Confusion surrounded Agnes's last sighting, with some neighbors claiming they saw her on the 5th.

As the days passed, the family's absence became alarming. Thomas spent time with friends and later received a call from Xavier claiming Agnes had been in a cycling accident.

The Dupont de Ligonnes Home: A Silent Witness

The family’s two Labradors remained silent, and neighbors reported the dogs howling for two nights before going quiet. Meanwhile, Xavier sporadically returned home to dispose of large bags. The last known online activity from the family's IP address occurred on April 8, when Xavier sent an email to his brother-in-law.

Letters began to arrive at Anne and Benoit’s school, stating they would be unenrolling due to the family’s move to Australia. Friends and family received strange correspondence from Xavier, claiming he was a spy for the U.S. government and that the family was entering witness protection. He even urged people to post on social media about their relocation to deter search efforts.

Agnes's family expressed skepticism regarding Xavier's elaborate claims and encouraged authorities to investigate the situation. Although multiple house checks were conducted, nothing out of the ordinary was found. A significant clue emerged from Agnes's internet history; in 2004, she had posted about marital issues and mentioned her husband’s comment that a collective death wouldn't be a catastrophe.

The Investigation: Uncovering the Truth

While authorities worked to uncover the truth, Xavier indulged in hotel stays and attempted to contact a former girlfriend, who declined to meet him. Neighbors' concerns escalated; the house’s shutters had remained closed for over a week, yet Agnes's car still sat parked outside. Consequently, law enforcement launched an investigation, conducting an extensive search of the residence.

Digging beneath the patio, they discovered the remains of Agnes, Arthur, Thomas, Anne, Benoit, and their two dogs. Autopsies revealed that the victims had been shot multiple times with a .22 Long Rifle, and toxicology reports indicated the children had drugs in their systems, suggesting they were asleep during the shootings. Xavier owned a rifle that matched the murder weapon's caliber, which he had inherited just weeks prior. However, no direct evidence link