The grandparents of a French toddler who went lacking almost two years in the past have been arrested on suspicion of his homicide, prosecutors stated Tuesday.
Two-year-old Émile Soleil disappeared from his grandparents’ backyard in Le Haut-Vernet, a hamlet within the French Alps, in July 2023. 9 months after his disappearance, his stays have been found by a hiker close to the village.
Now the lengthy investigation into the toddler’s dying has taken a surprising flip with 4 people — together with Émile’s grandparents and two of their grownup youngsters — being taken into police custody.
Emile’s grandfather Philippe Vedovini and his spouse, who was not named by the prosecutor, have been arrested within the commune of La Bouilladisse on suspicion of “voluntary murder” and “concealing a corpse,” in line with an announcement by the Aix-en-Provence public prosecutor.
Emile’s disappearance gripped the nation as lengthy and widespread searches yielded nothing. His mother and father have been absent on the day he vanished. On the time they informed a Christian web site they nonetheless hoped for a miracle.
Gendarmes stand outdoors the home of the grandparents of Emile Solei in La Bouilladisse, southeastern France, on March 25, 2025. – Clement Mahoudeau/AFP/Getty Photos
The case additionally sparked media consideration, significantly surrounding Émile’s grandfather, who, in line with CNN affiliate BFMTV, was questioned by police within the Nineties over alleged violence and sexual assault at a personal faculty. However police had thought of his involvement as just one attainable clarification behind the boy’s tragic dying.
Earlier this month, investigators returned to Le Vernet, with forensic groups combing via “a number of spots within the space.” The prosecutor confirmed that forensic operations are nonetheless ongoing in numerous areas, with new developments anticipated because the investigation unfolds.
CNN has reached out to the grandparents’ lawyer.
For extra CNN information and newsletters create an account at CNN.com