Identical twins on trial for double murder in France

Two 33-year-old identical twins are facing a French court for allegedly murdering two men in 2020, but authorities are unable to determine which brother pulled the trigger.

Samuel and Jérémy Y. are among five men on trial for the killings of 17-year-old Tidiane B. and 25-year-old Sofiane M. on September 14, 2020, in Saint-Ouen, a northern suburb of Paris. 

The twins are also linked to the attempted shootings of six people in October of the same year. The crimes reportedly took place near a suspected drug-dealing site in Soubise.

Because the twins are monozygotic, sharing identical DNA, forensic investigators have been unable to distinguish between them, even after testing the assault rifle used in the October shooting. 

“Only their mother can tell them apart,” an investigator told the court, highlighting the challenge of identifying the suspects.

Authorities say the twins allegedly exploited their identical appearances by swapping clothes, phones, and even identity documents, complicating the investigation. 

Police have relied on surveillance footage, wiretaps, and phone records in attempts to accurately track the brothers’ movements.

The trial, linked to drug trafficking and gang violence in the region, is ongoing and expected to conclude by the end of February.