They recognize him, he flees: a testimony relaunches the American lead in the Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès case.

Fifteen years after his disappearance, the Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès case continues to spark new theories. On the set of Tout beau, tout neuf (TBT9) on April 21, Gilles Verdez mentions a rumor that is gaining traction: the possibility that the fugitive is still alive in the United States. A testimony from San Francisco is fueling this theory.

A revived rumor about a presence in the United States

On the TBT9 set, the Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès case sees a new development. Disappeared in April 2011, following the discovery of the bodies of his wife, their 4 children, and their dogs, Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès “could be in San Francisco” according to a new circulating rumor.

This theory is supported by Bruno de Stabenrath, who is presented as a close associate of the fugitive, and who spoke out in the media Legend.

A detailed testimony in the Chinatown district of San Francisco

At the heart of this theory is a detailed account relayed by Bruno de Stabenrath.

“Every time, there are people who say they saw him. For me, the only testimony I received (…) is from a family from Nantes who knew Xavier very well,” he said.

According to him, this family had a direct connection with Dupont de Ligonnès, who had rented their house for three years in Pornic. The testimony took place in a specific location: the Chinatown district of San Francisco.

“The mother, named Catherine, is in line to buy food. Behind her, a guy pushes her. When she turns around, they lock eyes, she sees Xavier,” Bruno de Stabenrath recounts.

“They recognize each other very well,”

This family testimony doesn’t end there, as she affirms that they recognize each other: “Xavier recognizes her. They recognize each other very well,” reports Bruno de Stabenrath.

The scene ends abruptly: “Xavier backs away and then disappears running,” For Gilles Verdez, this testimony is particularly striking as Xavier had been “his tenant for 3 years,” leaving little room for error according to him.

A silent testimony for several years

According to Bruno de Stabenrath, this information was not immediately made public for several reasons. The family from Nantes was afraid of media frenzy, but also of not being taken seriously.

“This woman was afraid of finding a horde of journalists in front of her house (…) so she didn’t talk about it publicly,” he explains.

A deemed “credible” but unconfirmed theory

Gilles Verdez, however, nuances this lead: “That’s not certain.” But he adds: “he thinks it’s a credible theory.”

At this stage, no official statement confirms this presence in the United States, even though this theory has already been discussed on the TBT9 set. Find our article on the analysis of this American hypothesis by Michel Mary.

A new element in an ongoing case

This testimony adds to many other accounts that have emerged over the years, without any definitively locating Xavier Dupont de Ligonnès.

To understand the profile and behavior described by another witness, you can also read our article on the testimony of an inn director, broadcast on TBT9.

Watch the free replay of the entire TBT9 episode from April 21 on M6+, or without ads on M6+MAX.