The negligence of the gendarmerie in the case of the missing Lichanna causes outrage

Florence — 06/08/2026: The small community of Florence in southern France is still in mourning over the mysterious disappearance of 11-year-old Lihanna 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 custody. Recent revelations about his past are causing outrage and calling the work of the gendarmerie into question.

As early as August 2025, the mother of a ten-year-old girl from the neighborhood filed a complaint about multiple rapes against Jérôme B. The crimes allegedly took place between 2024 and 2025 in Jersey. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, the suspect was never questioned, and the investigation made no progress.

The Toulouse prosecutor’s office took over the case only in November 2025, after the complaint was received by the gendarmerie in Plaisance-du-Touch. In December of that year, the case was transferred to the judicial authorities in Auch, and in January 2026 it was returned to the gendarmerie in Lectoure — without an official summons for Jérôme B.

This blunder caused deep disappointment among the victims’ relatives. The girl’s mother criticized the insufficient activity of the authorities. Her daughter had already asked troubling questions related to sexuality, which heightened anxiety in the family but did not lead to an operational investigation.

In light of these serious shortcomings, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin initiated a major administrative review. The aim is to identify any possible errors and negligence in handling the initial rape complaint. The investigation is being conducted by the General Inspectorate of Justice in cooperation with the General Inspectorate of the Gendarmerie.

Meanwhile, investigative actions are intensively ongoing regarding the current complaint about Lihanna’s disappearance. Jérôme B. was arrested on June 2 on charges of kidnapping and unlawful detention of a minor. During the arrest, he gave contradictory and unclear statements, which caused additional concern among the investigators.

The residents of Florence are deeply shocked by the events and demand a thorough investigation. “It is horrible that such negligence could happen,” said one local resident. Lihanna’s family continues to hope for a swift end to the agonizing wait and for the truth to be uncovered.

The authorities are under strong pressure to resolve the case quickly and transparently. Further investigation must clarify how the delays occurred and whether organizational flaws existed in the gendarmerie. This case highlights the difficulties of working with sensitive cases related to the protection of minors.