Jacques Moretti, co-owner of the Swiss bar Le Constellation, which was devastated by a fire on New Year's Eve resulting in 41 deaths, has been arrested and detained on suspicion of domestic abuse against his wife. The incident reportedly occurred on August 11 at the couple's home in the Wallis canton, with reports indicating his wife, Jessica Moretti, required hospitalization.
Moretti, 49, has been placed in pre-trial detention on a variety of domestic violence charges. This development is separate from the ongoing criminal investigation into the New Year's Day fire that killed 41 people and injured 115, many of whom were teenagers. The couple faces charges including manslaughter by negligence and arson by negligence in relation to the blaze.
Lawyers for the Morettis stated that the alleged domestic violence incident is a separate case pertaining exclusively to their private lives and should not be confused with the bar tragedy. They added that the events occur within the context of an intense ordeal the couple has faced since January 1.
Investigators allege the fire was sparked by sparklers in champagne bottles that ignited foam soundproofing cladding in the bar's ceiling. Video footage shows a waitress, Cyane Panine, holding a champagne bottle with candles, which then ignited the ceiling. Panine was among those who died in the fire.
Mr. Moretti, the registered owner of Le Constellation, admitted to narrowing the main stairwell from three meters to one meter when he took over management in 2015. This modification, according to inquiry sources, played a decisive role in the disaster by trapping victims on the cramped staircase. He also admitted that a ground-floor service door was locked from the inside when the fire started, though he claimed he forced it open upon arrival.
Both Jacques and Jessica Moretti have denied any wrongdoing in relation to the fire, asserting they did everything possible to ensure safety. They had previously suggested blame lay with waitress Cyane Panine, who died in the blaze. Jessica Moretti has also been charged with forgery related to an invoice for the bar's sound-insulating foam panels.
In total, 16 individuals, including local councilors who granted the bar licenses, have been charged in connection with the fire. Mr. Moretti had previously been released on bail after a brief detention in January related to the fire investigation. He also has a prior conviction for aggravated pimping in 2008.
The criminal investigations into both the fire and the alleged domestic abuse are ongoing.