Deborah Pel, Taninges mom found dead in Switzerland after French-Swiss national stabbed her three young children to death before fleeing. School teacher mom had been suffering from depression.
A mother who allegedly stabbed her three children to death at the family’s alpine home in France before going on the run has 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.
After fleeing in her Audi SUV, the French-Swiss national was today found dead in her car, Le Dauphiné Libéré reported. The cause of her death is not currently known.
Taninges mom suffered from depression
Local media reported that the children’s grandparents were the ones who discovered the carnage at 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 the school teacher mom. 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.
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 the dailymail reported.
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.
School teacher mom was transferred following complaints she was too strict
Le Dauphiné Libéré reported that Pel 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 an avid flautist, and was given an award for her dedication to music in 2022, following 30 years of playing the flute.
Le Dauphiné Libéré reported that a substitute teacher has already been appointed to take charge of the class Pel taught.
No known motive to the murders was immediately known as authorities continue to investigate.
