Son of Chad Prez Probable Murder Victim

French police have launched an investigation into the death of Brahim Deby, whose body was recovered in the parking lot of his apartment building, Reuters reports. Once touted as a possible successor to his father, the younger Deby had become a controversial figure, doing time in France for drugs and weapons possession. An autopsy will be performed next week.

The father, Idriss Deby, seized power in Chad in 1991, and is not a popular figure. Rebel forces have attempted to topple his regime, demanding free elections. Observers say Deby's son--once an adviser to his father--was a key source of resentment because of his high-handed behavior. He was even disliked by members of his family, who saw him as unfit to rule. (More murder stories.)