Lyhanna case: main suspect summoned for rape and murder in the Gers
Jérôme Barella, 41, appears before the investigating judge on Wednesday to face charges in connection with the death of Lyhanna, 11, in the Gers.
Lyhanna case: main suspect summoned for rape and murder in the Gers
A forty-one-year-old farmer is expected on Wednesday afternoon at the Agen courthouse. This summons before the investigating magistrate could result in an expansion of the charges against Jérôme Barella, who until now has been pursued solely for abduction and unlawful confinement of a minor under fifteen years of age.
The tragedy dates back to 29 May, when Lyhanna, an eleven-year-old schoolgirl, disappeared as she left her school in the Gers. The following day, a man was apprehended in a hypermarket car park in Auch. After forty-eight hours in police custody during which he spoke extensively, he chose to remain silent before the judges at his first appearance on 1 June. He was then remanded in custody.
At that time, the investigation had not yet made it possible to locate the child's body. It was not until 4 June that remains were exhumed from an agricultural property. Scientific analysis has since delivered damning conclusions: the girl had been sexually abused before dying. Marks from bindings at the wrists were observed, as well as contusions formed whilst the heart was still beating.
Genetic samples matching the man's profile were moreover obtained from the victim. Police will now need to establish precisely the suspect's movements during that fatal afternoon.
During his initial questioning, the man in question acknowledged having picked the child up in his car at three o'clock in the afternoon. He claimed to have dropped her off outside an aquatic centre that was closed that day, and put forward the hypothesis of a runaway. Regarding his record, he downplayed his previous brushes with justice whilst admitting to another ongoing matter involving a girl of the same age.
Investigators discovered evidence on his mobile device that contradicted his statements. He also mentioned assaults he had suffered during his childhood, claims that police will now need to investigate further.
These details were reported by France Télévisions.
Source: France Info