Noé Bafania-Efete murdering his wife and four children

*Meaux, Seine-et-Marne* — In a devastating incident that sheds light on the intersection of domestic violence and mental health challenges, 33-year-old Noé Bafania-Efete stands accused of murdering his wife and four children in their Meaux residence.

Bafania-Efete was apprehended on Tuesday morning in Sevran, Seine-Saint-Denis, after seeking refuge in his father's home. Born in 1990 in Colombes (92) and holding a degree in sanitary engineering, he had been undergoing treatment for depressive and psychotic disorders since 2017. Prescription medications for calming agents were discovered in his apartment.

Despite having no prior criminal record, Bafania-Efete was known for instances of domestic violence. The prosecutor mentioned a knife incident in November 2019, where his then-partner, the now-deceased Béatrice, was stabbed in the shoulder, resulting in a five-day incapacity for work. However, Béatrice declined to file a complaint, and at that time, Bafania-Efete had discontinued his medication.

Following the knife attack, Bafania-Efete was admitted to psychiatric care. A medical examination concluded that his judgment was impaired, leading to the termination of legal proceedings on June 11, 2020, due to mental disability.

Béatrice and Noé Bafania-Efete had been a couple for 14 years and were married since October 2023. The suspect is currently hospitalized and has not yet been interviewed by investigators.

This case underscores the critical need to address domestic violence and mental health issues seriously. It is imperative for society and authorities to continue efforts in recognizing and combating these problems to prevent such tragedies. The incident emphasizes the importance of providing appropriate treatment and support to individuals struggling with mental health challenges and highlights the societal responsibility to intervene in cases of domestic violence promptly.