Unsolved Murder: Executive Assassinated in French Villa

In 1986, British executive Kenneth Marston was fatally shot outside his Lyon home. The assassination, believed to be carried out by a hitman on a motorbike, has remained unsolved for 40 years. Initially, investigators considered far-left terrorism and corporate corruption as potential motives.

Marston, who had moved to Lyon two years prior to lead Black & Decker's French operations, was described as well-respected. His family was living what seemed to be an idyllic life in a Lyon suburb, with plans for a spring break trip to Barcelona.

The investigation explored various leads, including a claim of responsibility from an anonymous caller and the possibility of involvement by the militant far-Left cell Action Directe. However, these theories eventually unravelled without concrete evidence.

A key line of inquiry, pursued by investigating judge Georges Fenech, pointed towards internal corruption at Black & Decker. This emerged after it was discovered that significant numbers of company goods were being illegally diverted and sold on the black market. Jean Schnaebele, an underworld boss jailed for fencing stolen items, stated Marston was killed because he uncovered this trafficking.

Despite efforts by Marston's widow and daughters to pursue the truth, including a million-franc reward offered by Black & Decker, the case was officially closed after 20 years due to France's statute of limitations. The daughters continue to seek justice, hoping to uncover the full story behind their father's murder.