Absenteeism at the Gendarmerie in the case of the missing Lyhanna causes outrage

Fleurance – 08.06.2026: The small town of Fleurance in southern France remains uneasy after the mysterious disappearance of 11-year-old Lyhanna on May 29, 2026. At the center of the investigation is Jérôme B., a 41-year-old man from the region, who is currently in pretrial detention. The latest revelations about his past have caused outrage and raise serious doubts about the work of the Gendarmerie.

As early as August 2025, the mother of a ten-year-old girl from the neighborhood filed a complaint of multiple rapes against Jérôme B. The assaults were said to have taken place over several months between 2024 and 2025 in Gers. Despite these serious allegations, the suspect was never questioned and the investigation has since made no progress.

The Toulouse Public Prosecutor’s Office only took over the case in November 2025, after the complaint was initially filed with the Gendarmerie of Plaisance-du-Touch. In December of the same year, the case was forwarded to the judicial authorities of Auch and eventually in January 2026 returned to the Gendarmerie of Lectoure – without Jérôme B. ever being officially summoned.

This blunder has caused deep disappointment among the victims’ families. The mother of the affected girl complained about the lack of commitment from the authorities. Her daughter had already asked noticeable questions about sexuality, which increased concerns within the family but did not lead to a prompt investigation.

In view of these serious shortcomings, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin have ordered a comprehensive administrative investigation. The aim is to clarify possible errors and omissions in handling the original rape complaint. The investigation is being conducted by the General Inspectorate of Justice together with the General Inspectorate of the Gendarmerie.

Meanwhile, the investigations into Lyhanna’s current missing person case are in full swing. Jérôme B. was arrested on June 2 for kidnapping and unlawful detention of a minor. During his arrest, he gave contradictory and unclear statements, which made investigators extra vigilant.

The residents of Fleurance are deeply shocked by the events and demand full clarification. “It is frightening how such failures can occur,” said a resident. Lyhanna’s family still hopes for a swift end to the agonizing wait and for the case to be resolved.

The authorities are under great pressure to solve the case quickly and transparently. Further investigation must determine how the delays occurred and whether organizational shortcomings within the Gendarmerie played a role. The case illustrates the challenges in handling sensitive procedures to protect minors.