Family lawyer sharply criticizes Cédric Jubillar’s new claims

Toulouse – July 22, 2026: The family of Delphine Aussaguel is extremely shocked by Cédric Jubillar’s new statements regarding his wife’s death. Philippe Pressec, representing the relatives of Delphine Aussaguel, told Franceinfo that the statements had stunned him. He fears that, after years of denial, the convicted man may now be trying to portray the case as an unpremeditated killing.

Cédric Jubillar was sentenced to 30 years in prison in October 2025 by the Assize Court in Albi for the murder of his wife. Delphine Aussaguel, who took the surname Jubillar after marriage, disappeared during the night of December 16, 2020, from the couple’s shared home in Cagnac-les-Mines in the Tarn department. Jubillar has appealed the verdict.

According to media reports, the 38-year-old first acknowledged responsibility for his wife’s death in writing on July 6, 2026. During questioning on July 15, he then described an argument that took place on the night of her disappearance. He allegedly said that he grabbed Delphine Aussaguel by the neck and strangled her. This account is currently being examined by investigators and judicial authorities.

For the relatives, the focus is not only on this new statement, but also on how late it was made. Pressec pointed out that Jubillar had maintained his innocence for more than five years. From the perspective of the civil parties, the changed statement can neither erase the family’s prolonged uncertainty nor undo the consequences endured by the couple’s two children.

In mid-July, investigators launched a search operation in Mailhoc, not far from Cagnac-les-Mines, based on information provided by Jubillar. Bone fragments were found, and forensic examinations concluded that they belonged to Delphine Aussaguel. Further forensic analysis will determine in particular whether these findings can provide clues about the course of events and the convicted man’s statements.

The appeal proceedings were originally scheduled to begin on September 21, 2026, before the Assize Court of Haute-Garonne. However, the presiding judge ordered a postponement on July 21. The new hearing is expected to take place in the first half of 2027. The Court of Appeal justified the decision by citing the need for further investigations, the orderly conduct of proceedings, and the right of all parties to be heard.

The legal classification of the act therefore remains unresolved and will only be reconsidered during the appeal proceedings. The defense may request a different classification of the case; however, only the court will decide after assessing the evidence, expert opinions, and testimony. For Delphine Aussaguel’s family, the postponement also means that the judicial handling of the case will continue for longer.