The trial continues as relatives testify at the Tarn Assizes
The Tarn Assizes in southern France are hearing testimonies from relatives of Delphine Jubillar-Aussaguel, the nurse who vanished in December 2020. Her husband, Cédric Jubillar, is on trial for her murder, with the couple’s body still missing and no definitive confession to date. As the second week of proceedings unfolds, the court is set to hear from brothers, a sister, and other family members who knew Delphine well, hoping to shed light on the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
A sister’s testimony and a direct quote
Among those taking the stand is Delphine’s elder sister, who spoke frankly about the perceived character of the accused. In response to inquiries about the husband’s profile, she said: “He’s a liar. I’ve never been able to trust him much.” The sister went on to describe concerns about how the accused disciplined their son Louis, suggesting a volatile domestic dynamic. The testimony highlights how intimate family history is now part of a broader legal examination carried out in court.
What the courtroom is weighing
As investigators, gendarmes, and a panel of experts testified in earlier sessions, the civil parties are expected to recount their version of events. Lawyers for Delphine’s relatives emphasize the need for a clear account of the disappearance and the surrounding circumstances. Lawyers say the family’s recollections, once emotional, could prove pivotal as the defense challenges the narrative that has guided the case since Delphine vanished.
Defense and prosecution perspectives
The defense has argued that certain statements by prosecutors contain inaccuracies, and during the second week a former Toulouse prosecutor, Dominique Alzéari, faced questions about his handling of the case. The defense contends that some truths required clarification, arguing that the proceedings should carefully distinguish what is known from what remains speculation. In turn, the prosecution maintains that the decision to indict Cédric Jubillar in June 2021 followed careful consideration of available evidence and witness testimony.
Background: a disappearance that remains unresolved
Delphine Jubillar-Aussaguel, 33, mother of two, disappeared in the night of December 15–16, 2020, from her home in Cagnac-les-Mines, a village near Albi. At the time, she was a night nurse at a local clinic and was reportedly planning to start a new life with another man. Despite extensive searches around Albi and beyond, no body has been recovered, and the case has become a focal point for questions about what happened on that winter night.
What to expect in the coming days
With the trials of witnesses and expert analyses continuing, the court is likely to hear from additional family members of Delphine and other civil parties. The aim is not only to establish what occurred the night she disappeared but also to place the events within the broader context of the couple’s relationship and the daily realities faced by a family dealing with an unresolved loss. The prosecutors and defense will continue to present their arguments as the jury weighs the evidence in a case that has captivated public attention in France.
Why this matters
For Delphine’s relatives, the ongoing courtroom proceedings are a path toward understanding, accountability, and closure. For the public, the Jubillar case remains a stark reminder of the complexities involved in missing-person investigations and the delicate balance between protecting family memory and pursuing legal answers. The verdict, when delivered, will be watched closely by a nation still seeking clarity about a disappearance that has endured for years.
