Valais prosecutors order psychiatric evaluation for Crans-Montana bar owner Jacques Moretti

Psychiatric evaluation ordered

The Public Prosecutor's Office of the Canton of Valais ordered a psychiatric evaluation for Jacques Moretti, the 50-year-old owner of the Le Constellation bar. Moretti remains held in pre-trial detention at Sion prison following allegations of physical violence against his 40-year-old wife, Jessica Moretti. Swiss public broadcaster RTS first reported the judicial order, which prosecutors later confirmed to the Keystone-ATS news agency. The medical assessment aims to evaluate his degree of criminal responsibility at the time of the alleged assault, specifically whether he had full or diminished capacity during the incident. Canton prosecutors also commissioned the examination to evaluate the risk of reoffending and determine whether Moretti poses an ongoing danger to his wife, his two children, or third parties prior to any potential decision regarding his release. Such psychiatric assessments in the Swiss legal system typically require between four and six months to complete, potentially extending his detention.

The domestic violence investigation

The domestic violence proceedings stem from an altercation that took place during the night of August 11 to 12, 2026, at the couple's family villa in Lens, a municipality located a few kilometres outside Crans-Montana. Jessica Moretti sustained physical injuries during the confrontation and was admitted to a hospital for medical treatment. Swiss police arrested Jacques Moretti shortly after the altercation, placing him in provisional custody where he has remained for nearly two months. Defense lawyers representing the couple confirmed that the domestic violence case is legally and procedurally distinct from inquiries surrounding their business operations.

These events relate exclusively to their private lives, and as such we will not be making any comment.

The defense team, composed of lawyers Yaël Hayat, Nicola Meier, and Patrick Michod, stated that the incident forms part of an ordeal the couple has faced together throughout 2026.

The Constellation fire proceedings

The domestic abuse inquiry runs parallel to a separate criminal case concerning the disaster at the Le Constellation bar in Crans-Montana on January 1, 2026. The New Year blaze claimed the lives of 41 people and left 115 individuals injured. Jacques and Jessica Moretti are the central suspects among a total of 17 defendants named in that investigation. All 17 defendants face charges of negligent homicide, causing bodily harm through negligence, and causing a fire through negligence. The domestic violence case is managed by a distinct office within the Valais prosecution service, separate from the two prosecutors tasked with directing the inquiry into the bar tragedy.

Upcoming judicial hearings

The commissioning of the psychiatric report means Jacques Moretti will likely remain in custody during the next major stages of the disaster inquiry. Examining magistrates have summoned both Jacques and Jessica Moretti to appear for a confrontation hearing scheduled on November 2, 2026, with further formal questioning rounds set for November and December. Should Jacques Moretti remain detained during the upcoming hearings, police officers will escort him from Sion prison to the hearing room in the morning and return him to his cell in the evening. In contrast, Jessica Moretti will attend all court interrogations as a free person accompanied by her legal team.