Park Predators: The Shootings (Part 2) – Detailed Summary

Introduction and Recap

In "The Shootings (Part 2)," host Delia D’Ambra delves deeper into the haunting 2012 Lake Annecy murders in France, continuing the investigation from the previous episode. The episode meticulously explores the complexities and unresolved questions surrounding the tragic event where Saad Al Hilly, his wife Iqbal, Iqbal’s mother Zehailah, and cyclist Sylvain Molier were brutally murdered.

The Lake Annecy Murders: An Overview

On Wednesday, September 5, 2012, the picturesque Lake Annecy became the backdrop for a gruesome crime. Saad Al Hilly, a 50-year-old British citizen, his 47-year-old wife Iqbal, Iqbal’s mother Zehailah, and 45-year-old French cyclist Sylvain Molier were found dead after a horrifying shooting near a remote mountain parking lot. The only survivors were Saad and Iqbal’s two young daughters.

Initial Investigation and Suspect

French police quickly suspected Zaid Al Hilly, Saad’s older brother, due to an ongoing inheritance dispute. However, Delia narrates that physical evidence and witness testimony did not support Zaid as the perpetrator. Despite the lack of concrete evidence, British authorities arrested Zaid nine months post-murders for conspiracy to commit murder. Delia highlights:

“Nine months after the shootings, British authorities arrested him for conspiracy to commit murder. But detectives working the case alongside the team from France weren't totally sold on that theory. They believed that the elder Zaid Al Hilly was most likely innocent.” (12:30)

Mark Preston’s Fresh Investigation

In May 2013, British investigator Mark Preston took over the British side of the investigation. Unconvinced by the focus on Zaid, Preston sought to examine overlooked aspects of the case. He visited the secluded crime scene, questioning how the shooter could have predicted the family’s movements on that particular day.

“How did the shooter know that the Al Hillies or Sylvain Molier would be where they were on the afternoon of September 5th?” (15:45)

Preston’s observations led him to reassess the possibility that Sylvain Molier, rather than Saad Al Hilly, might have been the actual target.

Challenging the Initial Narrative

Preston analyzed ballistic evidence and the manner of the shootings, concluding that Sylvain had been the first and primary target. Unlike Saad, who received fewer gunshots, Sylvain was struck multiple times, including an execution-style shot through the eye.

“There was no doubt Sylvain had been the first person shot... his last gunshot wound was described as being, through his eye, an execution style wound.” (20:10)

This perspective contradicted French prosecutor Eric Maillod’s stance, causing tension between the British and French investigative teams. Maillod continued to assert that the Al Hilly family was the intended target, emphasizing a complex family background.

Exploring Sylvain Molier’s Background

Further investigation into Sylvain revealed potential motives linked to his personal life, including strained relations with his partner Claire's wealthy family. Reports suggested Sylvain had become financially reliant on Claire’s inheritance, raising questions about possible conflicts.

“Sylvain had reportedly used money from Claire’s inheritance to purchase the expensive bike he was riding on the day he was killed.” (25:30)

Despite these suspicions, Sylvain’s family denied any wrongdoing, describing him as a quiet and likable individual with no known enemies.

Unfolding Mysteries and New Leads

As the investigation progressed, new and perplexing developments emerged:

1. Iqbal’s Hidden Identity: It was revealed that Iqbal had previously lived under the name Kelly Thompson in Louisiana, USA. This revelation opened new avenues of inquiry into her past and potential connections that could be linked to the murders.

2. Parallel Deaths: On the same day as the Lake Annecy murders, Jim Thompson, Iqbal’s ex-husband, died of a heart attack in Louisiana. Suspiciously, authorities considered the possibility that his death might be connected to the murders, but lack of evidence halted this line of investigation.

“Jim had never had any postmortem tests done after his death... his children denied the request to exhume his body.” (33:50)

3. Composite Sketch and False Leads: French investigators released a composite sketch of a motorcyclist seen near the crime scene. A Frenchman matching this description was arrested but later released due to inconsistencies in his motorcycle and weapon, illustrating the challenges of relying on witness descriptions.

Ongoing Struggles and Deteriorating Cooperation

By January 2014, the investigation had stalled significantly, with French authorities still pursuing Zaid Al Hilly despite British investigators clearing him of involvement. Tensions peaked when British detective Mark Preston presented a comprehensive report, urging French police to reconsider Sylvain Molier as the actual target.

“It was to cover and confuse any investigation that Molier was the target. That's why the gunman used so many bullets.” – Mark Preston (42:15)

Despite these compelling arguments, French authorities continued to focus on the Al Hilly family, leading to diminished cooperation and a reduced investigative team.

Renewed Investigations and Modern Forensics

In December 2015, French authorities intensified their efforts by conducting an international search for the Luger P0629 pistol used in the murders. Advances in forensic testing revealed two unidentified DNA profiles on Saad’s BMW, though their origins remained elusive.

By 2017, the case was officially declared without a working theory, even after five years of exhaustive investigation. However, in subsequent years, efforts to re-examine the case with modern techniques and fresh perspectives persisted.

Recent Developments and Ongoing Mystery

In the years following, several notable developments occurred:

1. Cold Case and New Forensics: By May 2024, investigators sent additional evidence, including cigarette butts and clothing items, for advanced DNA analysis. Ballistics testing confirmed that the murder weapon was part of a limited series made in Switzerland in 1935.

2. Crime Scene Reconstruction: October 2024 saw authorities conducting a full-scale reconstruction of the Lake Annecy crime scene at a military base near Paris. This exercise involved former prosecutors and investigators to better understand the sequence of events.

3. Media and Public Interest: In June 2021, the docuseries "Murder in the Alps" aired, featuring Zaid Al Hilly publicly denying involvement and accusing French police of a cover-up. The renewed interest led to plans for a limited series production in 2026, with actor Benedict Cumberbatch attached as an executive producer.

4. Potential Serial Connections: Investigators explored links between the Lake Annecy murders and a documented group of contract killers with ties to the French intelligence community. Although no direct connections were established, the possibility remains open.

Current Status and Ongoing Efforts

As of October 2024, the Lake Annecy murders remain unsolved. Investigators continue to explore new leads, including unidentified DNA profiles and advanced forensic analyses. The case stands as a testament to the complexities of solving crimes that intertwine personal motives, intricate backgrounds, and international jurisdictions.

Conclusion

"The Shootings (Part 2)" of Park Predators paints a compelling narrative of a case fraught with dead ends, conflicting theories, and persistent mysteries. Delia D’Ambra effectively highlights the relentless pursuit of truth amidst bureaucratic challenges and international complexities. The Lake Annecy murders remain a stark reminder that even the most idyllic settings can harbor the darkest secrets.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Preston (15:45): “How did the shooter know that the Al Hillies or Sylvain Molier would be where they were on the afternoon of September 5th?”

• Mark Preston (42:15): “It was to cover and confuse any investigation that Molier was the target. That's why the gunman used so many bullets.”

• Judy Weatherly (22:40): “He had no enemies. He was very friendly and charming. There's no way that he was the cause of all this.”

• Zayd Al Hilly (1:35:20): “I think they knew from day one what happened and they have hidden it. The whole thing was a deception.”

Timestamps Reference:

Please note that the timestamps referenced above are illustrative and correspond to the relative timing within the episode transcript provided.

Additional Resources:

For a comprehensive list of source materials and further information, visit parkpredators.com and follow Park Predators on Instagram.