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A Case for Murder

June 19, 2010 6:45 PM

A young man's stabbing death sparks an international debate. "48 Hours Mystery" correspondent Maureen Maher reports.

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by delphinian10bc May 16, 2013 6:19 PM EDT
Stabbing,knives, 3 blows and the nature of the strikes....I have a lot of experience with this. It identifies a certain sector of the population. Its like a signature. de la Plaza was stabbed on his entrance stairs. Something disturbed the perp before he could complete the robbery (for drug money)so he took off. Nothing strange here - the signature of the crime is clear
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by PapaMoses April 23, 2013 10:49 PM EDT
I believe he was murdered. I believe he knew the person who stabbed him. Female or male unsure! My prayers are with his parents. Ex Girlfriend I'm not sure of truly what to think regarding her! I have questions!!!
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by EM1970 February 1, 2013 5:11 PM EST
I'm no expert, but I once saw a documentary of ME's who were not property diagnosing the cause of deaths of many people because they were not properly trained on autopsies. If that ME actually knew for one second that I, and people like me would believe it was a suicide, he must be a real stupid idiot! That was clearly not a suicide. How can anyone wanting to die, wash the knife after stabbing themselves 3 times? RIDICULOUS!

And the doctor lady who said that he was walking slowly instead of running.... Really lady? Let's see how we'll you run while your blood is draining out of your weakening body! Geez c'mon.
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by opi1979 December 1, 2012 5:15 PM EST
Is the "doctor" really stupid or she does? I can't believe that she's a payed officer. It's a real shame.
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by yellowbellz October 17, 2012 8:41 AM EDT
I am suprise that without any glaring evidence, this was ruled a suicide, with no further investigations. The ME was adamant on sticking to her non-logical findings,- a cell phone that was untouch and a door that was locked from the inside. There are so many scenarious to proove its murder. Someone who had access to his apt could have been waiting for him attack him on the inside, and left in a panic. Hugue may have pursued his attacker, by natural instinct,and most likely stopped at the front door possible stopped by excessive bleeding, returned to his apart, locked the door, where he continued to bleed profusely, became disoriented and staggered until his death. The movement in his apartment suggests that he may have been staggering around and knocking down stuff in the process. As to the cell phone, no one in that condition would have the presence of mind to pick up a cell phone, I am imagining that his disoriently and struggling to survive,(three stabbed wounds including one that puncture his longs. Come on, where did these people get the training from and where did the ME go to school? Do some real investigation and find out who the killer is. It does not seem like a random attack either, he must have been targetted. Many questions are left unanswered with this case.
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by toddsjag September 11, 2012 11:40 PM EDT
wht went on with the DNA on his watch????.....
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by WakeUpPeople001 August 26, 2012 10:26 AM EDT
It was an International Mafia hit.

1. Check the father's business dealings. If he can afford to offer a $100,000 reward, he's got money (and nowadays, where there's money, there's Mafia). Hugues' death may have been an attempt to intimidate Hugues' father into cooperating with the Mafia.

[In my case, the International Mafia paid our (former) pediatrician to poison our younger son, who almost died.]

2. The International Mafia does not only use guns to perform a hit. They use a huge variety of methods, including stabbings.

The Deputy Chief of the National Police in my country was found hanging in his basement...with 32 stab wounds.

3. The International Mafia often whacks people in their homes. The hit person gains entrance simply by ringing the doorbell. Most people feel safe in their homes and answer the door.

Hugues apparently answered the doorbell and walked out onto his porch where he was stabbed.

4. If the International Mafia thinks that a target's family will leave no stone unturned to investigate the hit, the Mafia performs the hit in another country. Distance and language barriers will hamper even the most inquisitive families.

Hugues was whacked in the US, not in France where his parents live.

[I'm guessing that the Mafia didn't expect Melissa Nix, Hugues' ex-girlfriend to cause such a fuss.]

5. With the full cooperation of the police and the news media, **MANY** International Mafia hits are treated as "suicides".

In Hugues' case, SFPD and "San Francisco Chronicle".

Two examples from my country:

** The Deputy Chief of the National Police who was found hanging in his basement with 32 stab wounds--ruled a suicide.

** A famous music composer who, according to the police report, was shot while running to his car at his remote cottage--ruled a suicide.
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by cyndi007 May 22, 2012 2:29 PM EDT
The co-worker that "didn't like him at first" seems a likely suspect I hope they checked that angle.The victim gets a promotion(maybe he was jealous he did make the comment "he was french") they meet up to celebrate make definate plans for a ride the next day. Why did'nt he drive by the house to see if maybe he overslept (they were out drinking til 2) makes a point to call him to tell him what he's missing, and then i believe he drove by the house later anyway.
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by rushtie April 23, 2012 8:59 PM EDT
Was he having an illicit affair with a neighbour hence no video footage. Neighbours partner found out and went a bit nuts. By neighbour, anyone who lives not far from Hugues i.e. between his place and cameras. They could have been waiting for him to return. Then attacked in a premeditated manner.
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by knowJAC April 23, 2012 2:24 PM EDT
This is a very unusual case and I have no opinion on how he died. So many possibilities. Why did Ms. Nix mention the "hara kiri"? I'm curious on if she ended the relationship... 1) has the guilt of breaking off the relationship lead to her crusade or 2) does she have more to hide? - I've read from her blog that she was visiting family and they call all attest for her being there. Who had keys to his place? How deep into the Japanese culture was he? (I did read/heard he was a black belt in some sort of martial arts) Maybe the suicide isn't too crazy?... How was he dressed? How was the knife placed on the plate? Did he eat right before he died? (the suicide ritual is very much like that... a ritual) The human mind has amazing possibilities.... Could he have committed a hara-kiri on himself?... Could someone who know his interest make it appear like he took his life in this manner?... A random act of violence, (but still.... Why?) That my two cents. Not sure what to make of the story and my heart goes out to those who love him. Hope they find the closure they need.
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