Bones Found Near Mailhoc: Forensic Analyses Underway in the Jubillar Case

Mailhoc – 17/07/2026: Bone remains were found on Thursday in a remote area near Mailhoc in the Tarn department. According to the Toulouse Court of Appeal prosecutor’s office, the search was carried out on the basis of information provided by imprisoned Cédric Jubillar. The remains have not yet been identified. Investigators have initiated forensic examinations to determine their origin, identity and any possible signs of violence.

The discovery site is around ten kilometres from Cagnac-les-Mines, the former home of the couple. It was there that Delphine Aussaguel, known as Delphine Jubillar, was last seen at the end of 2020. More than five years after her body was not found, the bone discovery could provide a crucial new basis for the criminal investigation of the case.

According to prosecutor general Nicolas Jacquet, Cédric Jubillar stated during questioning that he was responsible for his wife’s death. He is then said to have indicated to investigators the area in which the search took place. For the authorities, however, this does not yet constitute conclusive proof: only scientific expert reports can establish whether the recovered remains can be attributed to Delphine Aussaguel.

Gendarmes conducted extensive search operations at the site. The work focused on a rural, difficult-to-access area near Mailhoc and Villeneuve-sur-Vere. Investigators secured the bone remains and searched the surrounding area for further evidence. The precise location and condition of the finds may also be significant for further expert examinations.

The analyses are intended not only to establish the person’s identity. Depending on the state of preservation, specialists may investigate, among other things, whether there are signs of injuries, fractures or other indications concerning the circumstances of death. Whether such findings are possible and what evidentiary value they may have remains unclear at this stage. The judiciary has therefore made no conclusive statement regarding the cause of death.

For residents of Mailhoc and neighbouring Cagnac-les-Mines, the operation has brought the long-running case directly into their surroundings. According to media reports, the discovery in an area familiar to many people in the region prompted concern. The investigation, however, remains focused on judicial evidence; speculation about the course of events would be premature before the expert examinations are completed.

The further timetable now depends above all on the forensic results. The prosecution service and investigating authorities must assess whether the findings require new measures or additions to the proceedings. Until identification is complete, the bone remains are officially considered only potentially human remains. The Jubillar case has thus taken a new turn, although one that has not yet been conclusively assessed.