Lyhanna case: Jérôme Barella charged with alleged rape and murder
Jérôme Barella, 41, has been charged with the alleged rape and murder of 11-year-old Lyhanna, according to the complaint. His DNA was found on the victim's body, and forensic evidence was noted during the autopsy.
Jérôme Barella, 41, was charged on July 15, 2026, with the alleged rape and murder of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old middle school student, according to the complaint. The Agen public prosecutor's office announced this decision following a six-hour hearing before an investigating judge. Barella had already been under investigation since early June for kidnapping and unlawful confinement.
Material evidence and injuries on the body
According to the complaint, Jérôme Barella’s DNA was found on Lyhanna’s body. The autopsy revealed that the girl had been raped. Traces of restraint on her wrists and bruises, which appeared before her death, were also noted. The exact causes of death could not be precisely determined.
A questioning met with silence
During his hearing, Barella answered a few questions about his personality before invoking his right to remain silent. He had previously told investigators that he had only dropped Lyhanna off at the swimming pool on the day of her disappearance, May 29. The middle school student’s body was discovered on June 4 in an agricultural silo near Fleurance, in the Gers department.
Search and seized items
On July 6, a search was conducted at Jérôme Barella’s home in Montestruc-sur-Gers. Items that could be linked to Lyhanna’s death were seized. Barella, held in solitary confinement, is under enhanced surveillance due to a confirmed suicide risk.
Reactions and judicial context
The Agen prosecutor expanded the charges on June 24 following the autopsy results. His lawyers have indicated they do not wish to comment on the indictment.
Key Points
- Jérôme Barella charged with the alleged rape and murder of Lyhanna, 11, according to the complaint
- Barella’s DNA found on the victim’s body, according to the complaint
- Traces of restraint and bruises noted during the autopsy
- Barella invokes his right to remain silent during questioning
- Search conducted at his home and items linked to the case seized
Sources
- France Info Justice - "'Serious and consistent evidence': Jérôme Barella, charged with the rape and murder of little Lyhanna, did he confess?". (secondary)
- France Info Justice - "Jérôme Barella to be heard by the investigating judge ahead of his indictment for the rape and murder of Lyhanna". (secondary)
- Le Figaro - "Lyhanna case: main suspect Jérôme Barella charged with the murder and rape of the middle school student". (secondary)
- France Info - "Rape of minors, death threats: the director of a prestigious private school in Bordeaux faces two complaints". (secondary)
- France Info - "Jérôme Barella to be heard by the investigating judge ahead of his indictment for the rape and murder of Lyhanna". (secondary)
Transparency: 5 sources (0 primary, 5 secondary). Verification: July 26, 2026.
Truthyx - July 26, 2026