Murder of Marie Geralda Nancy Merle in June 2024: BRC Grants Bail to Jonathan Alexandre Merle

More than a year after his arrest for the murder of his wife, Jonathan Alexandre Merle has been granted bail by the Bail & Remand Court. The magistrate imposed strict conditions to ensure monitoring of the 33-year-old security guard while he awaits his trial.

Jonathan Alexandre Merle is accused of murdering his wife, Marie Geralda Nancy Merle, née Catapermal, who was 27 years old, on June 2, 2024, at their home in Résidence Argy, Flacq. This 33-year-old security guard was granted bail on December 4, 2025, by the Bail & Remand Court (BRC).

Magistrate Ashmi Nuckchady set strict conditions. The security guard was required to provide two sureties of Rs 100,000 each via cheque and sign a debt commitment of Rs 600,000. He must report daily to the nearest police station between 6 AM and 8 PM and inform authorities of his movements. A curfew from 9 PM to 5 AM was also imposed on him. Additionally, he must carry a mobile phone to be reachable by the police at all times.

This decision follows a request made by his lawyer, Narwin Ramdass, before the BRC. Jonathan Alexandre Merle still faces a provisional charge of murder before the Flacq court. The prosecution opposed his request, citing a risk of flight, interference with witnesses, and concerns for his own safety.

On June 2, 2024, police discovered the lifeless body of Marie Geralda Nancy Merle at her home in Résidence Argy. An autopsy conducted by Dr. Sudesh Kumar Gungadin, head of the forensic department, concluded that she died of "left ventricular failure."

On June 13, 2024, a thorough investigation was initiated at the request of the victim's father. On June 24, 2024, the thirty-something was interrogated and made confessions. He explained that a dispute had erupted following a message that appeared on his mobile phone. He then played loud music, assaulted his wife by throwing her onto a mattress, and then suffocated her with a pillow until she died. He afterward cleaned the room and disposed of the pillow outside the house. He then forced open a piggy bank with a knife and took Rs 30,000. However, Jonathan Alexandre Merle later denied the accusation against him.

When cross-examined by the defense, the investigator indicated that a complaint had been filed with the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) for allegations of police brutality, with no definitive conclusion reached yet. After reviewing the evidence presented to her, Magistrate Ashmi Nuckchady did not uphold the prosecution's objections. She then granted the security guard release under severe conditions.