Family Seeks Answers After Authorities Fail to Protect Woman from Ex-Partner
The family of a woman killed by a former partner who harassed her with relentless calls and messages will appear in court on Monday to demand answers from French authorities about why she was not protected.
Sandra Pla had reported Mickaël Falou’s threatening behavior to police three times over six months, but her request for a restraining order was denied.
After she sent an urgent plea to prosecutors, writing, “I fear the worst,” Falou was questioned and placed under investigation.
But less than 36 hours after his release—when he was ordered to stay away—Falou hid near her home for hours and attacked her as she returned from taking their daughter to school, stabbing her repeatedly.
Convicted of murder in January, Falou was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
Now, Pla’s family wants to know why police, social services, and the courts ignored clear warning signs. Their lawyer, Elsa Crozatier, filed a formal complaint 18 months ago accusing state authorities of “serious failures,” yet no response has been given. On Monday, Crozatier will ask a judge to compel officials to address the case.
*“The state claims to prioritize stopping violence against women, yet it failed Sandra when she begged for help multiple times,”* Crozatier told *CuriosityNews*. *“Four years later, we still have no answers. Officials say things have changed—but how?”*
From January to June 2021, Falou sent Pla 317 texts and called her 67 times. Doorbell cameras captured him lingering outside her home, but police insisted he had broken no law. Terrified, Pla’s parents moved in with her in Bordeaux, and her doctor advised medical leave due to the stress.
In April 2021, social services suggested Falou be “made aware of the consequences of his actions” and receive medical treatment. A month later, a family court granted Pla full custody of their child, restricting Falou to supervised visits.
On July 1, less than two days after being charged with harassment and ordered to stay away, he murdered her.
“No one warned Sandra he had been released under judicial supervision. We found the notification in her mailbox after her death,” Crozatier said.
Last year, 136 women in France were killed by partners or ex-partners—a 44% increase from 2023. In recent years, the state has faced multiple lawsuits from victims’ families over systemic failures.
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