Lyhanna case: autopsy leaves cause of death unknown, suspect Jerome Barella charged with murder and rape

An autopsy of 11‑year‑old Lyhanna’s body, found dead in the Gers on 4 June, concluded that the cause of death could not be determined with certainty. The report noted bruises on the upper and lower limbs and contusions inside the mouth, but found no visible cervical or internal traumatic lesions. Some injuries were described as “highly suggestive of restraint lesions.”

French prosecutors confirmed that the forensic findings, combined with prior biological analyses, establish that Lyhanna was raped. The suspect, 41‑year‑old Jérôme Barella, previously only charged with kidnapping and sequestration, has now been indicted for murder of a minor and rape, offenses punishable by life imprisonment. Additional anatomical pathology and toxicology examinations are ongoing.

Lyhanna’s parents have been informed of the autopsy results and, through their lawyer, have asked that the case not be used for political purposes and that the girl’s image be respected, especially against misuse by artificial‑intelligence tools. The investigation continues under public and political scrutiny.