They are called Serge, Ghislaine, Thierry, Abdellak, Julien, Jean-François and Emmanuelle. This Saturday, some were working, others were confined or making their famous purchases of basic necessities when they were struck in their flesh by the assailant with a knife from Romans-sur-Isère. A town of 33,000 inhabitants of the Drôme where everyone knows each other, at least by sight.
Julien Vinson, 44, is one of the two victims who died on the spot. According to his relatives, the forties was on the street with his 12-year-old son near the La Mie bakery when he came face to face with the assailant who stabbed him fatally while trying to protect his boy.
Julien Vinson was a waiter at La Charrette, a famous Romance café-theater run by his father Christian for decades. Artists such as Laurent Voulzy have performed there. Dani Lary, famous illusionist magician, launched his career there. “The Vinson family and the Charrette are institutions in Romans. Julien was a real nice guy, always smiling behind his bar, always a nice word for everyone. I still went regularly to make representations at their home. A real family business in which Clément, Julien's brother also works.
VIDEO. Romans-sur-Isère: at least two dead and five injured in a knife attack
"I am confused by this news," says Sam Higan, actor and friend of Julien. There is no problem of religion in Romans, it is a campaign where we recharge our batteries and where we help each other. Julien was an artist at heart, always happy, who loved the guitar. Despite the confinement, I hope to be able to say goodbye to my friend at his funeral. Another drama was added: Julien's father, a respected local figure, was hospitalized when he learned of the death of his son. He suffers from heart problems.
Serge, 65, had taken over the tobacco shop a few years ago
Another known victim in Romans: Serge, 65 years old. This tobacconist is the first person hit by the knife killer, who broke into his establishment. This Saturday evening, he was hospitalized in serious condition, and his wife was more slightly affected.
“Serge took over this tobacco shop with his wife five or six years ago, says Didier Reboulet, president of the union chamber of tobacconists. He was new to the business. They were an uneventful couple who worked well. Their tobacco shop is located in a busy pedestrian square. "
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Abdellak, 59, was shopping with his derogatory exit certificate when he was stabbed in front of the Carrefour convenience store. “I was told that the man with the knife asked him if he was a Muslim. I do not know if that's true. We haven't been able to talk to my uncle yet, slides his nephew. In any case he attacked Abdellak who protected himself with his bag but who received a stab in the back, a wound of 20 to 30 cm. A single father of Algerian origin who arrived early in France, the fifties, living in Romans, managed to flee "by running". He is now hospitalized and his loved ones, in shock, hope to have reassuring news.
