A high-profile murder trial is set to take place in France, where a police officer stands accused of fatally shooting his estranged British wife and her new partner.
The case has shocked the quiet village of Roppentzwiller, near the Swiss border, where the couple was found dead in their apartment.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
On May 25, 2023, firefighters forced their way into a flat after neighbors grew concerned due to persistent barking from dogs inside.
What they found was chilling—49-year-old Alison Erb and her partner, 51-year-old Loreto Di Salvatore, had both been shot three times.
A small-caliber revolver was discovered at the scene.
Surveillance footage later revealed that Alison had left the apartment earlier that day.
Shortly after, a figure dressed in black, wearing gloves and a hood, entered.
Eight minutes later, she returned, only to be shot on the stairs.
Di Salvatore had already been killed on the first floor.
The assailant, careful to avoid being identified, escaped through a skylight window.
Prime Suspect: A Police Officer Husband
Alison’s estranged husband, Olivier Erb, a 50-year-old French police officer, quickly became the primary suspect.
The couple was in the process of divorcing, and reports surfaced that Erb had previously been investigated for abuse and harassment.
However, with no material evidence initially linking him to the crime, he was not immediately charged.
A dedicated team of eight officers conducted an extensive investigation, involving phone tapping, surveillance footage analysis, and interviews with over 150 people.
Eventually, in April 2024, Erb was formally charged with the double murder.
However, details remained under wraps due to the secrecy of French criminal proceedings.
Family’s Heartbreak and Unanswered Questions
Alison Erb’s tragic death left her family devastated.
Her sister, speaking to the media, described Alison as a compassionate and loving woman who dedicated her life to caring for others, especially children and animals.
“She had a gift with horses and found peace working with them,” her sister recalled.
“Ali was always there when someone needed her. Losing her has left a gaping hole in so many lives.”
Di Salvatore, who was building a home for the couple’s future, had reportedly been eager to marry Alison.
According to her sister, their love was true, and he did everything he could to protect her.
A Complex Investigation
The investigation faced multiple challenges due to a lack of direct forensic or visual evidence.
Authorities even considered other potential suspects, including the couple’s 24-year-old son, who was taken into custody twice before being released.
Erb initially denied any involvement in the murders but later admitted to being aware of certain aspects of their lives.
His conflicting statements contributed to delays in the indictment.
Due to his status as a former police officer, he remains isolated in a high-security prison near Strasbourg.
Looking Ahead: A Trial Awaits
With the trial set to take place later this year, the case continues to attract public attention.
Alison, who had moved to France in 1995 and built a life for herself, is now remembered as a kind and devoted mother.
Her family, supported by legal teams in both France and the UK, is seeking justice.
Norfolk Police confirmed that Alison’s family is receiving support from trained liaison officers.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing the family praised the thorough work of French investigators in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the crime.
As the trial date approaches, many hope that the legal proceedings will bring clarity and justice for Alison Erb and Loreto Di Salvatore.