Prosecutors said Tuesday, March 25 that the grandparents of a French child who disappeared were arrested on suspicion of murder.
Two-year-old Émile Soleil disappeared from the garden of Le Haut-Vernet from his grandparents’ garden, and in July 2023, he disappeared for nine months, his body was found near the village.
Now, the long investigation into the death of the child has been shocking, with four people including Emile’s grandparents, two of whom were detained in police custody.
Emile’s grandfather, Philippe Vedovini, and his wife (not named by prosecutors) were claimed by AIX-en-en-Provence Procotituctor in the commune of La Bouilladisse.
Emile’s disappearance shocked French society, and only a long and extensive search found nothing. His parents were absent the day he disappeared. They told a Christian website at the time that they still hoped for a miracle.
The case also attracted media attention, especially around Emile’s grandfather, who, according to BFMTV, were questioned by police in the 1990s for suspected violence and sexual assault in private schools. But police believe his involvement is just a possible explanation behind the boy’s tragic death.
Earlier this month, investigators returned to Le Vernet, and the forensic team combed through “several locations in the area.” Prosecutors confirmed that forensic operations are still underway in various places and new developments are expected as the investigation unfolds.
