Jérôme Barella faces renewed scrutiny after child's death and complaints of police inaction

The murder of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna, whose body was found in a silo in Puy‑Casquier on 29 May 2026, has intensified scrutiny of suspect Jérôme Barella, 41, who is already under provisional detention for kidnapping and sequestration. Barella had previously been accused of rape in August 2025, and the case has drawn criticism of law‑enforcement handling.

Audrey, the mother of Rosa, said she alerted the gendarmerie nine months before Lyhanna’s death and has received no information on the status of her complaint. She expressed daily guilt and accused the police of neglect. A new complaint was filed in June 2026 after further accusations by a child placed in foster care, and the child‑welfare agency (ASE) had previously reported concerns to the courts in March.

Latifa Bennari, president of the French association L’Ange Bleu, discussed how spouses of pedophiles may discover their partners’ deviance, highlighting the broader societal challenges surrounding such cases. A local taekwondo club has launched an online fund, “Plus jamais ça,” to support Audrey’s legal battle.