EDIT 22h07 – Le suspect mis en examen pour enlèvement et séquestration de mineur de moins de 15 ans
Eleven-year-old Lyhanna has not been seen or heard from since Friday in Fleurance, Gers. The middle school student disappeared after leaving Hubert-Reeves Middle School around 3 p.m. Her family alerted the police in the early evening, around 7 p.m. Initial searches were immediately launched to reconstruct her movements, identify people she may have seen after school, and understand the circumstances of her disappearance. At this stage, there is no evidence to support the hypothesis of a voluntary disappearance. Lyhanna had never run away before. Her family also rule out this possibility.
Seen in the car of a 41-year-old man
The investigation took a decisive turn after a witness claimed to have seen Lyhanna in a man's vehicle after she left school. CCTV footage from the town of Fleurance confirmed the minor's presence in the car at 15:05 PM.
The driver has been identified. He is a 41-year-old man, residing in the Gers region. He is described as the father of a friend of Lyhanna, whom her family and friends consider her best friend.
The man knew the child. According to Lyhanna's mother, her daughter had already spent time with this family, notably at a sleepover. The suspect also reportedly used to come to the school and bring snacks to the girl.
A version deemed inconsistent
Arrested on Saturday, the man was taken into custody. During questioning, he admitted to picking up Lyhanna in his car. He claimed to have dropped her off, at her request, near the swimming pool in Fleurance. This version of events did not convince investigators. His statements were deemed contradictory, imprecise, and inconsistent. This is one of the factors that led the public prosecutor's office to open a preliminary investigation for the kidnapping and unlawful confinement of a minor under 15 years of age. The suspect's custody was extended. On Monday, June 1st, the case was transferred to the criminal division in Agen. The evidence gathered at this stage was considered sufficient to open a judicial inquiry.
Massive searches in the Gers region
Since her disappearance was reported, the search has continued uninterrupted around Fleurance. Police officers, divers, canine units, drones, and helicopters have all been deployed. The investigation is focusing particularly on the areas where the suspect claims to have dropped Lyhanna off, as well as waterways, ponds, wooded areas, and the outskirts of the town. Citizen search parties have also been organized with police supervision. Several hundred residents have volunteered to help with the search. Despite these efforts, Lyhanna remains missing.
A family in anguish
Lyhanna's parents are living in agonizing suspense. They don't believe she ran away. They describe their daughter as a sociable child, but also cautious and easily worried when left alone. Her mother explained that Lyhanna could have gotten into the car of someone she knew and trusted. This point is central to the investigation: the girl was reportedly not seen with a stranger, but with a man she knew. Lyhanna's father says he is convinced his daughter did not leave of her own accord.
Lyhanna's report
Lyhanna is approximately 1,57 meters tall. She has brown eyes, long brown hair tied back, and an average build. At the time of her disappearance, she was wearing a black and white striped tank top, black shorts, and yellow "One Piece" socks. She was also wearing discreet earrings. Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the police. The public is asked not to intervene directly.
A case that is now criminal
The case is no longer being treated as a simple worrying disappearance. It is now being investigated as the kidnapping and unlawful confinement of a minor under 15, a serious criminal offense. The urgency remains the same: to find Lyhanna. Investigators are trying to reconstruct the suspect's movements minute by minute, verify his statements, analyze available footage, search targeted locations, and gather all relevant witness statements. Three days after her disappearance, the 11-year-old schoolgirl remains missing. In Fleurance, the investigation is progressing, the search continues, and a family is still waiting for their child's return.
