Portuguese police have arrested a former French police officer suspected of killing his partner and his ex-girlfriend after kidnapping them and their children, ending a five-day manhunt that spanned two countries.
Background
Cedric Prizzon, 42, a one-time member of the Paris police force and a former rugby league youth international, was taken into custody Wednesday near Meda in northern Portugal with his two children — a 12-year-old boy and an 18-month-old girl. The arrest came after French authorities began searching for the women when they failed to show up for work and school last Friday.
Prizzon had been involved in a bitter public custody battle with his former partner over their son. He had been stripped of his custody rights and was previously convicted of harassing his former partner after illegally taking their son to Spain for several weeks in 2021. As part of his campaign against his ex-partner, Prizzon had mounted social media accusations claiming she was endangering their child. He also participated in fathers' rights protests alongside other men who had lost custody of their children.
The women were identified by the High Council for Judiciary as Audry Cavalier, 40, and Angela Cadillac, 26. Both disappeared from their homes in the Aveyron area of south-central France last week.
The Investigation
Late Wednesday, Portuguese National Republican Guard (GNR) officers discovered two bodies buried in an isolated location. Authorities confirmed the victims were Prizzon's partner and ex-partner, though procedures to identify the victims and consolidate evidence are ongoing.
In the vehicle where Prizzon was detained, officers found a pump-action shotgun, fake documents and number plates, and approximately $20,000 in cash. A photo released by GNR showed the seized items.
French police had been hunting Prizzon since his former partner failed to show up for work at an insurance company last Friday. Her son was not at school that day. Prizzon, his new partner, and their baby daughter were also missing from their home in the nearby village of Savignac.
Key Takeaways
- Cedric Prizzon, 42, arrested in Portugal after five-day manhunt
- Victims identified as Audry Cavalier and Angela Cadillac, mothers of his children
- Bodies discovered buried in isolated area near Meda, Portugal
- Prizzon previously convicted of harassing his former partner
- Found with pump-action shotgun, fake documents, and $20,000 cash
- Faces charges of aggravated homicide, desecrating a corpse, and kidnapping
What's Next
Prizzon appeared before a court in Vila Nova de Foz Coa, not far from where he was detained, and was remanded in custody Thursday evening after several hours of questioning. A judge prohibited Prizzon from contacting his two children via any means, including telephone, social media, email, written messages, or through third parties. The children are to be returned to France. Authorities continue forensic analysis and victim identification procedures.