Failures by the Gendarmerie in the Case of Missing Lyhanna Spark Outrage

Fleurance – 08.06.2026: The small community of Fleurance in southern France remains in turmoil following 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 now in pretrial detention. Recent revelations about his past have caused outrage and raised serious doubts about the work of the Gendarmerie.

Already in August 2025, the mother of a ten-year-old girl from the neighborhood had filed a report against Jérôme B. for multiple counts of rape. The abuse reportedly occurred over several months between 2024 and 2025 in Gers. Despite these serious accusations, the suspect was never questioned, and the investigation had made no progress since then.

The Toulouse Public Prosecutor’s Office only took over the case in November 2025, after the report was initially received by the Gendarmerie of Plaisance-du-Touch. In December of the same year, the case was forwarded to the judiciary authorities in Auch and finally returned to the Gendarmerie of Lectoure in January 2026—without Jérôme B. ever being officially summoned.

This failure caused deep disappointment among the victims’ relatives. The mother of the affected child criticized the lack of commitment by the authorities. Her daughter had already asked noticeable questions about sexuality, which heightened concerns within the family, but did not lead to a swift investigative process.

In view of these serious deficiencies, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin ordered a comprehensive administrative investigation. The goal is to clarify possible mistakes and omissions in handling the initial rape report. The investigation is being conducted by the General Inspectorate of Justice together with the General Inspectorate of the Gendarmerie.

In parallel, investigations into the current missing persons report for Lyhanna are progressing rapidly. Jérôme B. was detained on June 2 for the abduction and deprivation of liberty of a minor. During his arrest, he gave contradictory and unclear statements that further alarmed investigators.

The residents of Fleurance are deeply shaken by the events and demand a thorough clarification. “It is shocking how such failures could happen,” said a local resident. Lyhanna’s family continues to hope for a swift end to the agonizing wait and for the case to be resolved.

The authorities are under intense pressure to clarify the case quickly and transparently. Further investigations are to determine how the delays occurred and whether organizational deficiencies in the Gendarmerie played a role. The case highlights the challenges in handling sensitive procedures for the protection of minors.