David Prosper Hotyat was born on 23 October 1972 in Arras, France, to a working-class family. He grew up in Biache-Saint-Vaast, where he stood out in athletics, holding a youth record in the 3,000 meters. After school, he served as a peacekeeper in the former Yugoslavia, gaining a taste for independence and direction.

In 1999, David and his partner Alexandra Lefevre moved to Haute‑Savoie. They rented a chalet from property developer Xavier Flactif in Le Grand‑Bornand in late 2001. Over time, David grew resentful: he criticized the Flactifs for illegal rentals, unfinished work, and lifestyle excesses.

On 11 April 2003, the Flactif family abruptly vanished. Their locked chalet showed no signs of departure. By 14 April, blood traces—washed but still visible—matched the family’s DNA. A cartridge and baby tooth hinted at violence with a firearm and knife.

Suspicions fell on David and his circle. By 8 July, DNA confirmed David’s presence at the scene. Police arrested him and his associates on 16–17 September 2003 .

In custody, David initially confessed: he shot Xavier after a confrontation, then killed Graziella and the children with blunt weapons before burning the bodies in a forest near Thônes. Co‑conspirators Alexandra Lefevre and the Haremza couple helped with planning and disposing of belongings.

At trial (12–30 June 2006), David was convicted of quintuple murder and body disposal. He received life imprisonment with a 22‑year non‑parole term. Alexandra got 10 years, Stéphane Haremza 15 years, and Isabelle Haremza 7 years. David’s brother Mickael got a suspended sentence for hiding a weapon. David appealed but withdrew on 10 December 2007, accepting his sentence. He will become eligible for parole in 2025.