Two days after the tragedy that cost Alexis Battu, a 20-year-old military reservist, his colleague was presented to an investigating judge in Metz. According to Le Républicain Lorrain, this reservist of the 40th artillery regiment of Suippes, the same as that of the victim, was indicted for “manslaughter” and “violation of instructions”.
The investigating magistrate thinks that this death could be linked to a bad handling of his weapon, a famas, of which a bullet reached the head of Alexis Battu, Wednesday at the end of the afternoon, while the two men were assigned to the guard of the palace of the governor of Metz. The indicted has been left free, also reports the local newspaper.
Died in hospital
The victim was first transferred to Nancy hospital, but was in serious condition and died from his injuries. The gunner, first class, “was preparing to conduct a patrol when he was seriously injured in the head by an accidental shot,” according to a press release issued by the ministry.
