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DNA Confirms Identity of Missing 11-Year-Old Girl Found Dead in France
(MENAFN) Authorities in France have confirmed through DNA testing that a body discovered in the southwest of the country belongs to Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl who had been missing since last week, according to reports.
The discovery was made a day earlier in an abandoned grain silo near Fleurance in the Gers region, the area where the child was last seen on May 29. Prosecutors stated that investigative leads pointing to a suspect’s previous connection to the site helped direct search teams to the location. Further forensic examinations are still underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Officials identified a 41-year-old man, referred to as Jerome B., as the main suspect in the case. He was arrested after investigators linked him to the incident. The suspect, whose daughter attended the same school as the victim, admitted to giving the girl a ride but claimed he later dropped her off near a local swimming facility—an account authorities say is inconsistent with evidence gathered so far.
The case has triggered widespread public concern, particularly after it emerged that the suspect had previously been the subject of multiple complaints, including sexual assault allegations that were either dismissed or closed in earlier proceedings.
According to reports, one case involving a teenager was dropped in 2018 after the complainant stated the relationship was consensual. Another allegation involving the rape of a child under 15 was dismissed in 2024 due to insufficient evidence, while a further complaint filed in 2025 also alleged sexual violence involving a minor.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the case as deeply troubling and acknowledged what he called a “dysfunction” within the system, calling for a review of how prior complaints were handled. Justice authorities are expected to convene a national meeting of prosecutors to examine procedural failures and case management practices.
Advocacy groups have also reacted strongly. A representative from a women’s rights organization said the incident highlights serious shortcomings in how cases of sexual violence are addressed, stating: “The system doesn’t work,” and calling for urgent reform.
The discovery was made a day earlier in an abandoned grain silo near Fleurance in the Gers region, the area where the child was last seen on May 29. Prosecutors stated that investigative leads pointing to a suspect’s previous connection to the site helped direct search teams to the location. Further forensic examinations are still underway to determine the exact cause of death.
Officials identified a 41-year-old man, referred to as Jerome B., as the main suspect in the case. He was arrested after investigators linked him to the incident. The suspect, whose daughter attended the same school as the victim, admitted to giving the girl a ride but claimed he later dropped her off near a local swimming facility—an account authorities say is inconsistent with evidence gathered so far.
The case has triggered widespread public concern, particularly after it emerged that the suspect had previously been the subject of multiple complaints, including sexual assault allegations that were either dismissed or closed in earlier proceedings.
According to reports, one case involving a teenager was dropped in 2018 after the complainant stated the relationship was consensual. Another allegation involving the rape of a child under 15 was dismissed in 2024 due to insufficient evidence, while a further complaint filed in 2025 also alleged sexual violence involving a minor.
French President Emmanuel Macron described the case as deeply troubling and acknowledged what he called a “dysfunction” within the system, calling for a review of how prior complaints were handled. Justice authorities are expected to convene a national meeting of prosecutors to examine procedural failures and case management practices.
Advocacy groups have also reacted strongly. A representative from a women’s rights organization said the incident highlights serious shortcomings in how cases of sexual violence are addressed, stating: “The system doesn’t work,” and calling for urgent reform.
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