Rennes – May 25, 2026: In the French city of Rennes, the lifeless body of a 12-year-old boy was found on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The boy was discovered near the Villen riverside area, not far from the city center, with a wet bath towel “tightly wrapped around his neck.” Despite immediate resuscitation attempts by the responding emergency services, the child’s death was confirmed at the scene.
The Rennes prosecutor’s office immediately launched an investigation for intentional homicide of a minor under 15 years old. On Monday morning, a 16-year-old youth was arrested in Rennes. The suspect is reported to be only a few years older than the victim. The circumstances of the death have not yet been fully clarified, but the possibility of a third party’s involvement is being considered.
The investigation is being handled by the Rennes Organized and Specialized Crime Division (Division de la criminalité organisée et spécialisée, DCOS). Numerous police officers and forensic technicians were deployed to the scene to secure evidence and interview witnesses. The victim’s parents were cared for by the emergency services.
Residents of the incident area, known as a quiet and safe neighborhood, were left in shock. A 21-year-old resident told the media, “It’s really shocking. This area is close to the city center and quiet, and we have never had any problems here.”
The investigation to clarify the exact background of the incident is ongoing, and additional information will be disclosed as the investigation progresses.