There’s been a shocking twist in the lead-up to Kim Kardashian’s long-awaited robbery case.
One of the key suspects in the infamous 2016 Paris gunpoint robbery has reportedly passed away just before trial, according to TMZ.
Marceau Baum-Gertner, 72, died on March 6 in Paris, as reported by the Daily Mail. As of now, the cause of death hasn’t been made public.
Baum-Gertner was accused of being part of the gang that orchestrated the $10 million heist against Kim Kardashian, who was 35 at the time and staying in a luxury private residence during Paris Fashion Week. The terrifying robbery, where Kim was held at gunpoint and bound in her bathroom, made global headlines and left a lasting impact on her life.
Pre-trial reports indicated that Marceau had refused to reveal the names of others involved during earlier interrogations. However, TMZ notes there was a strong chance he might have ended up cooperating and naming names to get a reduced sentence. His unexpected death raises new questions about how the upcoming trial will unfold.
Kim is expected to take the stand and testify when the case goes to trial this May. Her testimony is set to be a major moment, especially given how personal and traumatic the robbery was for her.
Another suspect, Yunice Abbas, 71, has already publicly admitted to his role in the crime. He spoke to The Associated Press and said, “I will apologize. I mean it sincerely.” Abbas revealed he acted as a lookout at the building’s reception area on the night of the robbery. He was arrested in January 2017 and spent 21 months in jail before being released under judicial supervision.
In a strange twist, Abbas later co-wrote a book in 2021 titled I Sequestered Kim Kardashian, detailing the events surrounding the heist from his perspective.
Despite the high-profile nature of the case and the value of the items stolen, only one piece of jewelry — a diamond-encrusted cross — has ever been recovered. It was found by a passerby the morning after the robbery and turned over to authorities.
According to NBC, French investigators estimated the total worth of the stolen goods at around $6 million, a slight revision from earlier figures.
With the trial date fast approaching, and now with one less suspect to testify, the next few months could bring even more surprising developments.
