Probable body of Lyhanna in the Gers: mayor of Puycasquier speaks out
A body wearing clothes similar to those of the 11-year-old schoolgirl has been found in an agricultural silo. Mayor Louis Turchi praises the work of the gendarmes.
Lyhanna's disappearance: mayor of Puycasquier heartbroken after body discovery
According to France Info, a body wearing clothes "similar" to those of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old schoolgirl who went missing in the Gers on 29 May, was found on Thursday in an agricultural silo in the commune of Puycasquier. Investigations are continuing to formally confirm the identification.
"Everyone had hoped this story would have a favourable outcome, but alas, fate decided otherwise," said Louis Turchi, mayor of Puycasquier, on ICI Occitanie on Friday 5 June. The elected official expressed his "distress, this sadness" at the discovery of the body, identified as probably being that of the young girl. "Now we must think of the family's distress which unfortunately has no more hope," he added.
A silo visible, 50 metres from the road
Louis Turchi offered his "total support" to the forces of order, praising their work: "I believe that if we have reached this result, it is thanks to the enormous work of the gendarmes, the work also of my colleague, the mayor of Fleurance, and of all the local population." He stressed the "enormous outpouring of solidarity" that accompanied the search. "People do not accept this tragedy and they would have done everything to prevent it if they could have."
The agricultural silo where the body was found belongs to a former agricultural cooperative. It is now inactive and empty, the mayor clarifies. Contrary to what one might imagine, the location is not isolated: "It is 50 metres from the departmental road. It is really visible from everywhere. There is a car park in front," describes Turchi.
A perimeter "fairly narrow"
The main suspect lives "nearby" this silo, according to the mayor. "Everything is within a fairly narrow perimeter. We are fifteen kilometres from Fleurance. We are all neighbours," he states. The departmental road bordering the site was to remain closed to allow judicial investigations to proceed, "normally until tomorrow at noon," according to Louis Turchi.
The gendarmerie, whose work is described as "remarkable" by the elected official, is continuing investigations in order to allow justice to shed light on the circumstances of the disappearance and death of young Lyhanna.
Source: France Info