France: Engineer kills three female managers after being fired

 

A trial is underway in France involving a man accused of killing three women whom he held responsible for the downfall of his career.

The defendant, Gabriel Fortin, 48, was apprehended in the city of Valence in 2021. He stands accused of the recent murders of two human resources managers who played a role in his termination several years ago.

The third victim, employed at a job center, was also targeted by Fortin, earning him the moniker "HR killer" from the media. Additionally, he is charged with attempted murder of another manager.

At the time of his arrest, Fortin was unemployed and had previously worked as an engineer. Since then, he has remained silent, refusing to cooperate with investigators.

The string of violent incidents began on January 26, 2021, in the Alsace region of eastern France. Estelle Luce, a human resources manager, was fatally shot in the head in the parking lot of her workplace after her shift ended.

Later that same evening, a separate HR manager, Bertrand Michel, narrowly survived a shooting at his residence when a pizza delivery person turned assailant attacked him.

Two days later, in Valence, a man wearing a face mask entered a local job center carrying a white plastic bag. He proceeded to draw a gun from the bag and killed Patricia Paschione, the director of benefits, before fleeing the scene. Minutes later, Gelardin Sislin, an HR manager at an environmental services company near Valence, was also fatally shot.

The authorities were able to trace the assailant's getaway vehicle using its license plate, leading them to Gabriel Fortin.

The investigation revealed that Fortin held a deep-seated grudge against the staff of the job center, although he had no personal relationships or affairs with the victims. His animosity stemmed from his dismissal in 2009, which had been orchestrated by Estelle Luce following an unsuccessful probationary period. Subsequently, Fortin registered with the Wellness Job Center, but his unemployment benefits eventually expired.

Estelle Luce and Bertrand Michel had previously been involved in Fortin's termination from another company back in 2006, a shocking 14 years prior to the recent killings.

Over the course of more than two years, police meticulously searched Fortin's computer, unearthing substantial evidence of his lingering resentment towards those he perceived as responsible for his professional downfall. They also discovered his efforts to track the movements of his victims.

Gabriel Fortin made his first appearance in court in Valence on Tuesday, facing charges of three counts of murder and attempted murder.

In anticipation of the trial, the sister of Patricia Paschione spoke out on France's Europe 1 radio, expressing her sentiments: "He was armed and showed no mercy towards these women. He never attempted to communicate or listen. His actions were driven by sheer cowardice.

Suggestions to avoid tragigies

To avoid such tragic incidents, it is essential to address and prevent the underlying causes that may lead to such violence. Here are some suggestions:

1- Implement robust HR practices:

Companies should have effective human resources policies and procedures in place to handle employee grievances and terminations fairly and professionally.

2- Encourage open communication: 

Create an environment where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and grievances without fear of retaliation. Encourage dialogue and provide channels for anonymous reporting.

3- Offer mental health support: 

Promote mental health awareness and provide access to counseling or employee assistance programs to help employees cope with stress and emotional challenges.

3- Conduct threat assessments:

Employers can consider conducting threat assessments and risk evaluations in situations where potential violence or harm is suspected.

4- Strengthen security measures: 

Enhance security measures at workplaces, especially during sensitive periods like terminations, and train employees on how to respond to potential threats.

5- Monitor online activities: 

Keep an eye on the online activities of employees to identify any signs of harassment, threats, or violent tendencies.

6- Establish clear policies against violence: 

Develop and enforce strict policies against workplace violence and harassment, ensuring that employees are aware of the consequences of such behavior.

7- Foster a positive work culture: 

Encourage a culture of respect, inclusivity, and cooperation, which can help reduce hostility and resentment among employees.

8- Train employees and management: 

Provide training to employees and management on conflict resolution, stress management, and recognizing warning signs of potential violence.

9- Conduct exit interviews: 

Conduct exit interviews with departing employees to gain insights into their experiences and identify potential areas of improvement within the organization.

By implementing these measures, organizations can create a safer and more respectful work environment, reducing the risk of such incidents and fostering a more positive and productive workplace for everyone.