Yannick Barella, brother of Jérôme BarellaThe main suspect in the abduction and death of Lyhanna in Fleurance was formally charged on Wednesday in Agen with the alleged rape of two former partners. One of the complainants was 17 years old at the beginning of the period in question. The other was an adult at the time of the alleged events. The 44-year-old man, residing in Auch, is the subject of an investigation opened following a complaint filed in March 2024. He was taken into custody on Monday at the Auch police station before being brought before an investigating magistrate in Agen. The Auch public prosecutor's office transferred the case to the Agen public prosecutor's office.
Alleged events between 2007 and 2018
The first complainant alleges that the acts began when she was 17 years old, between February and September 2007, and continued until May 2011 within the context of her marriage. The second complainant, an adult, alleges that the acts occurred in March 2018, also within the context of a relationship. The alleged acts involve suspected sexual penetration committed through violence, coercion, threats, or by taking advantage of the victim's vulnerability. The legal classification therefore refers to rapes committed within the context of successive relationships.
He denies the allegations, then remains silent
During his police custody, Yannick Barella denied any non-consensual sexual relations with the two complainants. Later brought before the investigating magistrate, he exercised his right to remain silent.
No pre-trial detention
The Agen public prosecutor's office had requested his pre-trial detention. The judge for pre-trial detention did not grant this request and ordered his release under judicial supervision. The Agen public prosecutor has decided to appeal this decision. The case will therefore be examined shortly by the investigating chamber of the Agen Court of Appeal.
Since Jérôme Barella was charged, several proceedings against him have been reopened or identified, fueling a national discussion on the handling of complaints of sexual violence and on the dysfunctions reported in the judicial system.
