Aunt of murdered 11-year-old Lyhanna opens official Leetchi fundraiser to help family with 'new start'

Background of the case

Lyhanna, an 11-year-old middle school student, disappeared on 29 May 2026 after leaving her school in Fleurance, in the Gers department of southwestern France. Her parents immediately raised the alarm, and a search was launched. The last CCTV footage showed her getting into the car of Jérôme Barella, a 41-year-old man and father of one of her classmates. Barella was arrested the following day and placed under investigation on 1 June for the kidnapping and sequestration of a minor under 15. On 4 June, after an extensive search, Lyhanna's body was discovered by police in an agricultural silo in Puycasquier, about 15 kilometres from Fleurance.

The fundraising campaign

On 14 June, Julie Bodart, Lyhanna's aunt, opened an official donation page on the Leetchi platform. The campaign aims to help the family, including Lyhanna's little brother, with "complicated administrative procedures" and to "accompany them in a new start," as stated in the description. Bodart emphasized that the funds will not be used for legal fees or lawyer costs. The family's lawyer confirmed to BFMTV that he will not be a beneficiary of the donations. After fake fundraisers appeared shortly after the body was identified, this official collection was shared by the parents, Charly and Martial, and other relatives on social media to guarantee its legitimacy.

“The loss of their first child is a tragedy. I hope that thanks to your support, these generous donations will help them with their complicated administrative procedures. It is about accompanying them in a new start.”

Public response

The campaign quickly drew participation, with messages of solidarity pouring in alongside contributions. According to BFMTV, 25 donors had contributed by 9 a.m. on Monday, 15 June. By midday, that number had risen to around 60, as reported by 20minutes. Ouest France noted 167 participants by the afternoon, and Le Parisien observed more than 200 contributors by late afternoon. The total amount raised has not been disclosed, as the administrator chose to keep it hidden. Messages left on the page include words of condolence such as "Aucun mot ne saurait décrire l'abomination que vous traversez" (No words can describe the abomination you are going through) and offers of courage.

9 am25

12 pm60

afternoon167

late afternoon200

9 am

25 contributors

12 pm

60 contributors

afternoon

167 contributors

late afternoon

200 contributors

Data from the article text

Legal proceedings against the suspect

Jérôme Barella, a father of three, has been in provisional detention since 1 June. He has been charged with kidnapping and murder of a minor under 15. The investigation also revealed that Barella was already under investigation for other cases involving sexual violence against minors, with multiple reports and complaints filed against him before Lyhanna's disappearance. The case has sparked nationwide emotion and anger, particularly after revelations of prior warnings about the suspect and alleged failures in the justice system.