Criminal Investigations: Killer Rumours, The Case of Loïc Secher

A disturbing rumour spreads around a secondary school. Emilie Rédureau, a third-year student, may have been the victim of a sexual attack. Concerned, the girl’s teachers call her in. While refusing to give the name of her aggressor, she reveals that he was an alcoholic man who knew her parents.

Patrice Rédureau, her father, quickly realises that his daughter is talking about one of their neighbours: 40-year-old Loïc Secher. He is a former farm worker, now unemployed, single, alcoholic and depressed. In this small town, Secher does not have a good reputation; he is known to become out of control after a few drinks. When questioned by police, the suspect denies any implication in the case. But he has no alibi. Very quickly, Secher is made out to be the guilty suspect, especially after other women in the village accuse him of attempted rape. The case appears to be cut and dried until a letter arrives that shakes the investigators’ certainties.