Eleven-year-old Lyhanna remains missing six days after her disappearance. The investigation is now focused on 41-year-old Jérôme B., suspected of abducting her. He was formally charged on Monday, June 1st, with kidnapping and false imprisonment, and subsequently placed in pretrial detention.
The suspect was familiar with the sports environment frequented by children. Last year, he had taken classes at a sports club with his two daughters. His behavior had already raised concerns among the club's instructor.
“He spent too much time with the children”
The teacher claims he kept Jérôme B. under surveillance. According to him, the man spent too much time with the children, particularly with a young girl who also took classes at the club. “We always kept an eye on him”"That's what the professor explained, adding that he now regrets not having gone further. He maintains that he did not make the decision to exclude him from the club at the time."
A rape complaint mentioned after the fact
The teacher stated that he learned on Tuesday that a mother from the club had filed a rape complaint against Jérôme B. According to him, this woman had moved away in June with her daughter and had not informed him of the complaint at the time of the alleged incident. He also specified that he had not been notified by the police. Jérôme B. and his daughters had reportedly only attended the club the previous year. He had not returned this year.
Parents contacted after the disappearance
On Tuesday, June 2nd, the teacher contacted several students and parents of the club to gather any information they might have. One mother reportedly told him that her daughter had been invited to sleep over at the home of Jérôme B.'s daughter. This mother apparently refused the invitation, explaining that she didn't trust the father.
The suspect is in custody, Lyhanna is still wanted
At this stage, Jérôme B. has been formally charged and is being held in pretrial detention. Lyhanna, however, has still not been found. The investigation continues, focusing on the suspect, his relationship with the child, and any warnings that may have been raised by those close to him.
