French authorities investigating a notorious and long-standing multiple murder case have recovered a firearm from a lake in the eastern region of the country. The discovery offers a fresh avenue of inquiry for investigators trying to solve the killings of a British family and a local cyclist that took place fourteen years ago.

In September 2012, Saad al-Hilli, his wife, and his mother-in-law were shot and killed while visiting the Alpine countryside on holiday. A passing cyclist was also shot dead at the same woodland location near the village of Chevaline. Investigators determined early in the probe that the victims had all suffered head wounds inflicted by a specific type of firearm, identified as a vintage Luger model P06 pistol.

According to media reports, British vacationers visiting the area on August 20 spotted the weapon resting in shallow water. Initially mistaking the item for a toy water pistol, the tourists realized it was a real firearm once they lifted it and felt its heavy metal construction. The recovery location was situated in Lake Annecy, close to the campground where the al-Hilli family had parked their caravan during the trip.

Forensic specialists are currently analyzing the recovered firearm to confirm whether it matches the P06 specifications and to check if any usable evidence remains. The weapon has suffered significant deterioration after spending over a decade submerged. The P06 model was formerly issued to the Swiss military, and the lake is located a short distance from the Swiss border, where many households historically retained decommissioned service weapons.

Despite extensive international inquiries conducted by police agencies in both France and the United Kingdom over the years, the motive and the perpetrator behind the killings remain unidentified. Multiple theories have been explored and subsequently abandoned, ranging from financial disputes to an attack by a transient assailant. Previous arrests in connection with the case did not lead to charges, and suspects were eventually released.

The tragic incident left two young children of the al-Hilli family as survivors. The older daughter sustained severe injuries from being struck with a firearm during the assault, while the younger child remained hidden beneath her mother's clothing and was overlooked by authorities until investigators thoroughly processed the vehicle hours later. Investigators utilized fragments recovered from the scene to determine the exact model of the pistol used in the attack. The specialized nature of the vintage weapon previously complicated theories suggesting a planned contract killing, steering theories toward other possibilities. The newly recovered firearm now provides the cold case unit with tangible physical evidence to examine as the inquiry continues.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC News. Read the original report at BBC News.