French police are investigating the tragic stabbing death of 11-year-old Louise Lasalle, whose body was found in the Bois des Templiers woods in Longjumeau, northern France, on Friday. Authorities have launched a murder investigation, and four individuals are now in custody.
The first arrest came on Monday, with a 23-year-old man detained for questioning regarding the murder of a minor under 15. Sources suggest the man may have had scratches on his hands, possibly linked to the crime.
Along with the 23-year-old, his mother (48), father (49), and girlfriend (23) were arrested. They are accused of failing to report a crime and providing false alibis, after their statements raised suspicions. Originally questioned as witnesses, their conflicting accounts led police to refocus their investigation on the family.
Police were tipped off by CCTV footage and the testimony of a young girl, who is said to be a friend of Louise. The footage shows a man wearing a black down jacket following Louise, and the girl confirmed he was seen near the entrance to the Bois des Templiers at around 2 p.m. that afternoon. The arrested man lives in the same area as Louise, and investigators are working to confirm whether he’s the same person seen on camera.
Earlier arrests included a 23-year-old man and his mother, aged 55. Both were later released, as were a couple in their 20s taken into custody on Saturday, who also faced no charges.
The search for clues in the wooded area where Louise’s body was found involved more than 120 officers, along with drones, helicopters, dogs, and horses. An autopsy confirmed she was repeatedly stabbed with an object believed to be a knife.
In response to the tragedy, local authorities have opened spaces in Épinay-sur-Orge and Longjumeau for residents to pay their respects. Classmates and community members are devastated by the loss. One friend described Louise as “funny, intelligent, and loving,” while a concerned mother expressed shock, saying, “We can’t imagine that something like this could happen right next door.”
OFF with their heads!
Why? No reason. So sad