Overview
- The body of 11-year-old Lyhanna was found in a disused agricultural silo and identified by DNA following her disappearance, with authorities confirming the discovery on June 4.
- Multiple news outlets report that autopsy results show Lyhanna was sexually assaulted and that the biological profile of 41-year-old suspect Jérôme Barella was detected on the victim.
- The Parquet d'Agen has not formally released the complete expert reports and continues to say the precise cause of death remains undetermined while further forensic analyses proceed.
- Barella is formally under investigation (mis en examen) for abduction and sequestration of a minor, is held in pretrial detention in Mont-de-Marsan, and reportedly kept silent before the examining judge.
- Revelations that Barella faced prior complaints in 2022 and 2025 that were not fully acted on have fueled large public protests, prompted inspections of police and justice procedures, and raised the prospect of expanded charges once expert reports are filed.