Lyhanna autopsy: sexual abuse confirmed, Jérôme Barella's DNA identified
The post-mortem examination of the girl found in a grain silo in the Gers reveals she suffered sexual assault before her death. The DNA of the main suspect has been detected on her body.
Lyhanna autopsy: sexual abuse confirmed, Jérôme Barella's DNA identified
The autopsy of Lyhanna, found dead in a grain silo in Fleurance (Gers), has produced damning evidence. The girl suffered sexual assault before her death, according to initial results of the forensic examination. DNA traces attributed to Jérôme Barella, the main suspect in this case, have been discovered on the child's body.
The report also mentions several bruises and indicates that the victim was gagged and restrained. These findings could lead to an increase in the charges against the suspect, who is currently being prosecuted for kidnapping and unlawful detention.
The girl's parents, seen at a silent march organised in her memory, preferred not to comment following these revelations. Their lawyer issued a statement which read: "Facing the worst that can happen to a child and to parents, their anger is matched only by their disgust".
In Fleurance, emotion remains strong. Several residents expressed their outrage. "I find it disgusting, and as a family, to learn two weeks later that she was raped," one of them said. "This is nonsense, it's really shameful," added another person.
The public prosecutor's office, which is awaiting further analysis, has not formally confirmed the charge of rape. The final conclusions of the forensic report are expected by the end of next week. Jérôme Barella, who has remained silent since his arrest, should shortly be confronted with this new evidence.
"What is fundamental is to know what Lyhanna died from, how she died, who can be implicated in her death," said Jacques Dallest, a former investigating judge, questioned by franceinfo. "If we find the DNA of the person in question on the body of the little girl, it will be difficult for him to say it was not me, it's pure chance."
Source: franceinfo
Source: France Info