Overview
- The Laon prosecutor and the gendarmerie announced on Thursday that the three 16-year-olds and a 20-year-old were located in the Ardennes and are in good health.
- The group—Thomas Allart, 20, and three 16-year-olds, Léa Duguet Vermandel, Margot Nizan and Clément Dumont—had been missing since 15 January after leaving together in a white Peugeot 206 with registration AY-354-TJ.
- Investigators had prioritized the hypothesis of a coordinated voluntary departure after reported sightings in Reims, Charleville-Mézières, the Ardennes and near Belgium and Luxembourg.
- A formal investigation opened this week continues, with authorities indicating further information is expected on Friday as they evaluate any potential legal consequences for the adult.
- Relatives and the mayor of Cuissy-et-Gény voiced relief following days of searches and a witness appeal led by the Sissonne gendarmerie.