Body found in Gers likely that of missing 11-year-old Lyhanna, as French government admits 'collective failure' over suspect's prior complaints
A child's body discovered near Puycasquier in southwestern France is believed to be that of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old missing since 29 May. The prime minister has summoned top ministers as the justice system faces intense scrutiny over its handling of multiple prior complaints against the suspect.
A grim discovery after a week-long search
After seven days of intensive searches, gendarmes discovered a body on Thursday afternoon at an agricultural site near Puycasquier in the Gers department, roughly fifteen kilometres from Fleurance where Lyhanna was last seen on 29 May. Agen prosecutor Olivier Naboulet stated the body "appeared to be that of a child and was wearing clothes similar to those Lyhanna wore at the time of her disappearance." An autopsy is expected to formally identify the remains and determine the cause of death, including whether the victim suffered sexual violence.
The suspect and the missed warnings
The main suspect, a 41-year-old man named Jérôme Barella, was placed in provisional detention on Monday after being charged with kidnapping and sequestration. He had worked at the agricultural site where the body was found and knew Lyhanna because she was friends with his daughter. Before Lyhanna's disappearance, the suspect had been the subject of at least five procedures concerning sexual violence against minors, some dating back to 2017. One complaint was filed last August by a 10-year-old child who accused him of multiple rapes, yet nearly ten months later he had still not been heard by the justice system. Another complaint was lodged on 3 June.
Government admits systemic failure
Justice ministry spokesperson Sacha Straub-Kahn acknowledged on Friday that "you can only note a collective failure when the judicial apparatus fails to protect a child." He called for consequences, pointing to a probable "systemic failure" involving the judicial institution, law enforcement, and possibly the national education system.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu cancelled a planned trip and convened Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin at Matignon on Friday at 10:30 for a situation update. Darmanin said he was "terrified" by such a "dysfunction."We are at the doorstep of a MeToo of children.
Political class unites in outrage
Reactions from across the political spectrum were swift and severe.
National Rally president Jordan Bardella accused the state of having "heavily failed" and said "the French people demand answers." Green party leader Marine Tondelier called the case a symbol of "a political-judicial system incapable of handling the subject of sexist and sexual violence," adding that "a pedocriminal was left in complete freedom, despite the alerts." Édouard Philippe questioned why the entire state apparatus does not immediately go on alert when a child's testimony is collected.Our judicial system is a failure, it must be reformed in depth. A society that is no longer even capable of protecting its children is a society whose members will end up turning against each other.
The family's grief
In a statement released through their lawyer, Lyhanna's family expressed "the greatest horror" following the discovery. "While awaiting the autopsy, the time is now for contemplation and mourning. The family wishes to thank all those who participated in the searches (…) justice must do its work in all serenity," the statement read.
What comes next
The autopsy will formally identify the body and provide medico-legal conclusions on the cause of death. An administrative inquiry into potential dysfunctions, announced Wednesday by the interior and justice ministers, is also underway. The case has reignited debate over how France handles child testimony and the speed of judicial response to complaints involving minors.
- First complaints and reports against Jérôme Barella for sexual violence involving minors are filed.
- A 10-year-old child files a complaint accusing Barella of multiple rapes; nearly ten months later, he has still not been heard by the justice system.
- Lyhanna, 11, is last seen in Fleurance, Gers, getting into the suspect's car.
- Barella is charged with kidnapping and sequestration and placed in provisional detention.
- Another complaint is filed against Barella. Interior and justice ministers announce an administrative inquiry into potential dysfunctions.
- A child's body wearing clothes similar to Lyhanna's is discovered at an agricultural site near Puycasquier.
- Prime Minister Lecornu convenes ministers at Matignon at 10:30. Autopsy expected to confirm identity and cause of death.
