An 11-year-old girl was found stabbed to death in a French town. A manhunt is underway for her killer.
An 11-year-old girl, Louise Lasalle, was found dead in Essonne, northern France. Locals are upset about this shocking case. Louise went missing Friday around 2 PM after leaving André-Maurois middle school in Épinay-sur-Orge.
Louise was last seen wearing a navy coat, a hat, and a purple backpack. When she did not return home, her parents became worried. BFMTV reported that CCTV footage showed her near the park. Police found her body early Saturday in the Parc des Templiers woodlands, close to her school.
Police launched a large search operation using search dogs, drones, and a helicopter. An autopsy was conducted on Saturday afternoon to determine the cause of death. The Evry prosecutor’s office stated that Louise had many stab wounds, according to BFMTV, but there was no sign of sexual violence.
Locals are shocked and traumatized by this murder. The Essonne neighborhood is usually quiet. One local father shared his anger and stated he can’t imagine the family’s pain. A local teen felt shock and disbelief that it occurred in his quiet city, and said everyone is in mourning.
Police arrested a 23-year-old man and his 20-year-old partner, both of whom appeared on CCTV footage. However, no evidence arose against them, and the police released them. The killer may still be free. Prosecutor Grégoire Dulin confirmed that an investigation has started swiftly and the Versailles crime division is handling the case.
The local authority shared their sadness and empathy. They said they tried hard to find Louise, using every resource they had.
Timeline of Events:
February 7, 2025 (Friday)
At 1:50 PM, Louise left school. Around 2:00 PM, CCTV saw her by the park. She headed to Bas Follet trail, a woodland.
Her parents grew concerned that night and told the police she went missing. Her family also posted an urgent message on social media. Police started their search that night, using specialized search dogs, drones, and helicopters.
February 8, 2025 (Saturday)
At 12:45 AM, police arrested the suspect and his partner.
Early that morning, they found Louise’s body located inside the woodland. Prosecutor Dulin announced a murder investigation in the morning.
Police examined the area all afternoon, looking for crucial evidence. Authorities stated an autopsy would occur that evening to show the exact cause of death.