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France Murder Victim Clashed With 'Control Freak' Brother

Bludgeoned daughter emerges from coma

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Sep 9, 2012 2:29 PM CDT

(Newser) – A new detail in this week's multiple murder in the French Alps: Saad al-Hilli, who was gunned down with his wife and mother, had written a letter calling his brother a "control freak" who should be wiped "out of my life." Saad and brother Zaid clashed over their father's assets, and Zaid and "demanded control," wrote Saad. "Sad but I need to concentrate now on my wife and two lovely girls..." The Daily Mail reports that Zaid is being questioned by police today but dismissed the conflict as a "minor squabble."

As for Saad's daughters, the 4-year-old who was unhurt in the attack has returned to Britain to stay with an aunt and uncle, an official tells the Daily Mail. And 7-year-old Zainab, who was shot and bludgeoned, emerged from a medically induced coma today in a French hospital, the Guardian reports. Eric Maillaud, the prosecutor running the investigation, has called her a "key witness" but says there is no rush to question her: "It is terrible that a victim, especially a child ... has to be asked questions, that will inevitably cause her even more suffering."

British police forensic officers Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, outside the home of Saad al-Hilli, in Claygate, Britain.
British police forensic officers Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, outside the home of Saad al-Hilli, in Claygate, Britain.   (AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA)
British police officers places flower tributes Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, outside the home of Saad al-Hilli, in Claygate, Britain.
British police officers places flower tributes Saturday Sept. 8, 2012, outside the home of Saad al-Hilli, in Claygate, Britain.   (AP Photo / Steve Parsons, PA)
The home of Saad al-Hilli, in Claygate, England, continues to be guarded by Surrey Police, who are assisting French police, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012.
The home of Saad al-Hilli, in Claygate, England, continues to be guarded by Surrey Police, who are assisting French police, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2012.   (AP Photo/Steve Parsons,PA)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 4 comments
drlarrymitchell
Sep 9, 2012 4:29 PM CDT
Reminds me of my own in-laws...and why I longer have them in my life...
OuttaHere
Sep 9, 2012 3:59 PM CDT
Hmmm. Turned the 4 year old over to an aunt and uncle. Which uncle?
JoeQ
Sep 9, 2012 2:44 PM CDT
Quite the whodunit,  but they'll figure it out.
 

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