Murder of Lyhanna
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The Lyhanna case is a criminal case that occurred in France in 2026. It concerns the disappearance and subsequent death of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old middle school student in Fleurance (Gers). The case generated significant national media coverage and raised questions about the follow-up to previous reports concerning the main suspect and demand reform of justice systerm.[1][2][3][4]
Disappearance
Suspect
Jérôme Barella, born in 1985 and residing in Montestruc-sur-Gers, was taken into custody on May 30, 2026, charged with kidnapping and rape of a minor under 15 years of age, and placed in pre-trial detention before the proceedings were reclassified as murder.[8][9]
Barella was accused of kidnapping and raping a 17-year-old girl in 2020; and a 7-year-old girl in 2022 the case was transferred to the Auch public prosecutor's office in 2024, but was closed due to lack of evidence. Victims were allegedly forced to keep quiet.[10]
Reaction
Many celebrities and politicians include Flavie Flament, Juliette Binoche and Emmanuelle Béart took social media by express anger and demand justice for Lyhanna.[11]