THE uncle of murdered French film maker Sophie Toscan du Plantier has described new DNA evidence in the cold case as ‘valuable’ in the ongoing search for justice.

The mum-of-one was beaten to death near her holiday home in Toormore on December 23rd 1996 – and the murder remains unsolved almost 30 years later.

The investigation has taken a new turn after ‘alien DNA’ was identified on one of Sophie’s boots using new forensic methods of analysis.

Gardaí are now seeking assistance from police forces across Europe and beyond in an effort to identify the DNA trace, in the hope that it could lead to her killer’s identity.

Sophie’s uncle, Jean-Pierre Gazeau, spoke to The Southern Star following the latest revelation. He said: 'Any relevant information, however minor it may appear, is valuable in the ongoing search for the truth. 

'By “truth", I mean a clear understanding of what precisely happened at Sophie’s house between 10.30pm on 22 December 1996 and 10.30am on 23 December 1996.

'Over these nearly 30 years, Sophie’s son and family, together with our group, have learned the virtue of patience. 

'We can only hope, once again, that the efforts currently being made will eventually bring new answers and, perhaps, a fuller understanding of the events of that tragic night.’

Manchester-born Ian Bailey, who died of a heart attack on a Bantry street in January 2024, was the chief suspect in Sophie’s murder. He was arrested twice by gardaí but no charges were brought by the DPP.

Ian Bailey

He was convicted of her murder in absentia in Paris but efforts to have him extradited were unsuccessful.

Bailey protested his innocence until his death age 61.

The DNA found on Sophie’s boot is not Ian Bailey’s.

Schull resident Bill Hogan also reacted to the DNA development in the cold case investigation.

Since the Garda Serious Crime Review Team was set up in late 2021, it has reviewed all aspects of the case, including the DNA testing of 100 blood samples found at the scene.

Forensic Science Ireland formally requested that the DNA sample on Sophie’s boot be checked against 11 million DNA samples in 20 non-EU and EU countries, including Ireland and France.

Bill Hogan, who is a member of the Association for Truth and Justice for Sophie Toscan du Plantier, told The Southern Star: 'The investigation team have been persistent all these years. 

'The community here offers them its support on behalf of Sophie's family. It has become something of an endurance test, but it is important to establish the truth, and justice, for Sophie.'

This December will mark the 30th year of Sophie's passing, which continues to be marked with reverence and respect locally. 

Bill believes: 'Persistence, truth and dignity are the only paths against silence and impunity. We will continue, with unwavering determination, to demand clarity, justice and respect for her memory.' 

It was Sophie’s son​, Pierre-Louis Baudey-Vignaud​, who called for a cold case review, so the crime would not fade from public view.