A mother who allegedly stabbed her three children to death in the family’s alpine home in France has reportedly been found dead in Switzerland.
Deborah Pel, a 45-year-old teacher, fled the small town of Taninges after she allegedly killed the three children, aged two, 11, and 13, on Tuesday, leaving only a note behind.
French newspaper Le Dauphiné Libéré reported that after fleeing in her Audi SUV, the French-Swiss national was today found dead in her car. The cause of her death is not currently known.
It today emerged that the children’s grandparents were the ones who discovered the carnage in the family’s home, which lies ten miles from the Swiss border. It had earlier been reported that her partner, who fathered the youngest child, had found the bodies.
Earlier, around 60 French police officers, supported by helicopters and diving squads, were searching for her. Investigators who knew of her dual citizenship requested assistance from Swiss authorities in their search, who flagged her car as it passed into the country today.
Deborah Pel (pictured) fled the small town of Taninges after she allegedly stabbed the three children to death on Tuesday afternoon
This photograph shows the house where three children were found dead in Taninges, on November 13, 2024
French gendarmes stand guard at the entrance of street near the location where three children were found dead in Taninges, on November 12, 2024
The motive behind the tragic killings is not currently known.
Police are interviewing the family’s relatives. The investigation has been handed over to the Bonneville public prosecutor’s office.
The mother was part of a blended family with a man who was the father of the youngest victim.
He has not yet been publicly named.
Pel was a teacher at a school in nearby Marnaz, where she had reportedly transferred from Adelin-Malgrand school in Samoëns.
Local media reported she suffered from depression.
Le Dauphiné Libéré reported that she was transferred following a petition from parents, who said she was too strict with the children.
She was also reportedly heavily involved in the local community, most notably as a member of Samoëns municipal harmony, and was treasurer of the town’s music school.
Pel was a keen flautist, and was given an award for her dedication to music in 2022, following 30 years of playing the flute.
Pel was a teacher at a school in nearby Marnaz, where she had reportedly transferred from Adelin-Malgrand school in Samoëns
French gendarmes stand guard at the entrance of a street, near the location where three children were found dead, in Taninges, eastern France, on November 12, 2024
The house where the three children were found dead is pictured in Taninges, on November 13, 2024
The local community has been left in ruin following the killings.
The head teacher at the Jacques Brel middle school in Taninges where the two older children were enrolled refused to comment on the matter, following a question from a local reporter.
Meanwhile, the school where Pel taught is making preparations to answer questions from students and their parents.
Le Dauphiné Libéré reported that a substitute teacher has already been appointed to take charge of the class Pel taught.
The shocking Alps killing comes after two small children were last week found decapitated in a bathtub on the French island of Guadeloupe.
The bodies of the mutilated four-year-old and 13-month-old siblings were discovered by their father in their family home.
The children’s mother, the prime murder suspect, was found naked and wandering the streets by two police officers after the alarm was raised.
According to French outlet Le Parisien, the woman, who is believed to be in her forties, was speaking incoherently and was unable to explain the reasons for her actions when approached by police.
According to public prosecutor Caroline Talbo, the woman was initially taken into custody and then released due to her mental state, and has since been hospitalised.
