The trial in Paris for the “Grandpa gang” who robbed Kim Kardashian at gunpoint in 2016 was underway Monday just as news emerged that one of the alleged thieves has died.
That leaves just 10 of the original dozen defendants to stand trial, since 80-year-old Pierre Bouianere will be tried separately for medical reasons, CNN reported. Nine men and one woman will be tried for robbery and kidnapping, the latter charge applying to both Kardashian and the residence’s concierge, who was forced at gunpoint to lead the group to the reality star’s apartment.
A panel of six citizens will be selected to conduct the trial alongside three magistrates. Kardashian plans to testify in person at the trial on May 13, her attorneys said. The trial is expected to run through May 23.
“Ms. Kardashian is reserving her testimony for the court and jury and does not wish to elaborate further at this time,” her attorneys said. “She has great respect and admiration for the French justice system and has been treated with great respect by the French authorities.”
AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard
Defendant Aomar Aït Khedache, one of the men accused in the 2016 armed robbery of Kim Kardashian, arrives at court in Paris on Monday. (AP Photo/Aurelien Morissard)
Kardashian was traumatized but physically unharmed on Oct. 2, 2016, when armed thieves dressed as police officers forced their way into her hotel bedroom, held a gun to her head, bound and gagged her with plastic cables and tape, dragged her into the bathroom and stole nearly $10 million in jewelry, including her $4 million engagement ring from then-husband Kanye Wes. She later described her terror, sure she would be raped or killed, clad only in a robe.
The troupe earned the “Grandpa” moniker from the French press because the ringleaders are career bank robbers with long criminal records. Ranging in age from 35 to 78, most of them are in their 60s and 70s.
One of the defendants, 71-year-old Yunice Abbas, has already publicly admitted participating and plans to take responsibility for his role, one of two who have done so. Initially unrepentant, he was the ground-floor lookout in the hotel’s reception area, he said. He has also written a book about the experience.
“I will apologize,” Abbas told The Associated Press on Sunday. “I mean it sincerely.”
Marc Piasecki/GC Images
Kim Kardashian arrives at a restaurant in Paris with her bodyguard hours before the robbery on October 2, 2016. (Photo by Marc Piasecki/GC Images)
Alleged mastermind Aomar Ait Khedache has also admitted his involvement and wrote Kardashian an apology letter from his prison cell. The rest have denied being playing a part.
Also standing trial are alleged getaway driver Harminy Khedache, Aomar Ait Khedache’s son, 37, and 69-year-old Didier “Blue Eyes” Dubreucq, according to NBC News. In addition Gary Madar, 35 and the brother of Kardashian’s Paris driver, tipped off gang members as to her whereabouts. Finally there is Christiane Glotin, 78, who allegedly helped plan the heist, NBC News said.
None of the jewelry has ever been recovered, save for a diamond-encrusted platinum cross dropped by Abbas as he sped away with the loot on his bicycle.
With News Wire Services
