Four people, including the grandparents of Emile Soleil, have been arrested in connection with the disappearance and death of a 2-year-old boy in the French Alps in July 2023. Also arrested are the couple's two children, who are now suspected of voluntary homicide and concealment of a corpse, according to prosecutors. The grandparents' lawyer, Isabelle Colombani, said she could not yet make a statement because "the news had just come out."
Last year, a hiker found the boy's bones and clothes near his grandparents' house—the place where he first disappeared. But prosecutors say there's no evidence to say how Emile died. They say it could have been an accidental fall, homicide, or murder.
The arrest has brought renewed attention to the case after months of silence. Emile was last seen on July 8, 2023, walking alone in the small town of Haut-Vernet. After his grandmother reported him missing, a extensive search was launched, involving police, military, and search dogs.
In February of this year, Emile's funeral was held. Afterward, his grandparents said they could no longer go on without answers. According to Jean-Luc Blachon, prosecutor of Aix-en-Provence, Tuesday's arrests are the result of in-depth investigations over the past few months. several surrounding areas and a family vehicle are also being investigated.
In France, a person can be arrested while being investigated for involvement in a crime. But this does not mean that an official case has been filed against them.
