Key facts
- DNA testing confirmed a body found in southwestern France is that of missing 11-year-old Lyhanna.
- The body was discovered in an abandoned grain silo near Fleurance.
- A 41-year-old suspect, Jerome B., who knew Lyhanna, has been arrested.
- Prosecutors revealed the suspect had faced previous complaints, some of which were dropped or dismissed.
- President Macron acknowledged a "dysfunction" in the system and requested a government investigation.
- Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin will convene prosecutors to review case handling.
DNA testing has confirmed that a body discovered in southwestern France is that of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl who disappeared on May 29. The body was found in an abandoned grain silo near Fleurance, a location where the suspect, 41-year-old Jerome B., previously worked. Jerome B., who knew Lyhanna from her school, has been arrested and acknowledged giving her a ride, though his account is inconsistent with prosecutors' findings.
The case has intensified scrutiny on France's justice system, as prosecutors revealed Jerome B. had been the subject of several prior complaints, including rape allegations that were either dismissed or dropped. One case involving a teenager was dropped in 2018, another alleging rape of a child under 15 was dismissed in 2024, and a separate complaint filed in August 2025 alleged a rape in 2024-2025.
President Emmanuel Macron expressed shock and acknowledged a "dysfunction" in the system, tasking the government with investigating the failures. Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin is set to convene public prosecutors to review case handling. Advocates like Anne-Cecile Mailfert of the Women's Foundation have highlighted systemic failures in addressing sexual violence, particularly against minors, noting that 58% of sexual violence victims recorded last year were minors.