The reconstruction of the double murder of Stéphanie Nohasoavina and Vololoniaina Haingotiana Rasamison was meant to confront the versions of four suspects. It ended with gunfire from law enforcement and their deaths. Police Commissioner Joachin Randriamaro held a press conference Saturday evening on the case.

Why were the four suspects taken to Ambohimanga Rova on Saturday? After several days of investigation, arrests and interrogations, investigators wanted to confront the suspects' statements with the reality of the crime scene. The versions given by Sitraka, Aldo, Larry and Ranix presented discrepancies on certain details of the crime.

The reconstruction was meant to clarify these unclear points. The four men, suspected of participating in the rape and murder of 21-year-old Stéphanie Nohasoavina and 17-year-old Vololoniaina Haingotiana Rasamison, were taken to the crime scene at Ambohimanga Rova.

But the procedure took an unexpected turn. According to explanations given Saturday evening by authorities, the suspects allegedly attempted to attack law enforcement. One of them reportedly tried to seize a police officer's weapon. Officers then opened fire.

The four suspects were wounded and transported to hospital. They died shortly after.

Versions to Confront

Before this reconstruction, investigators had gradually traced the suspects. The two young women disappeared on August 21 after saying they were going to the cinema. Surveillance footage allowed authorities to follow part of their journey, notably their pickup in a black Chevrolet Cruze.

The vehicle, found on August 25, reportedly constituted an important element of the investigation. Blood traces and stained clothing were allegedly discovered inside. Its driver, Sitraka, was arrested. Investigators also reportedly found a video of the assault on his phone.

During interrogation, Sitraka allegedly admitted his participation and implicated three others. Aldo and Larry were arrested on August 26. Ranix was apprehended the following day by gendarmes. All three allegedly also admitted their involvement.

Despite these confessions, certain details did not match between the different statements. This was notably why a new reconstruction was to be organized Saturday.

The investigation had already determined, according to authorities, that the suspects had prepared weapons including knives, brass knuckles and a screwdriver. They allegedly also used a stratagem to lure the two victims.

Autopsies conducted the night of August 23-24 confirmed the violence of the acts. The bodies of the two young women were found two days after their disappearance in a ravine at Ambohimanga Rova.

The death of the four suspects now ends their judicial hearing and prevents any further confrontation of their versions. It also leaves open certain questions about the exact sequence of the victims' final hours and the precise role of each protagonist.

The Chevrolet Cruze, considered an important piece of evidence, remains impounded in the Criminal Brigade yard at Anosy.

By Gustave Mparany