6,000 Attend Silent March in Fleurance for Slain 11-Year-Old Lyhanna as Suspect Remains in Custody

Approximately 6,000 people joined a silent march through Fleurance on June 7, 2026, to honor 11-year-old Lyhanna, whose body was recovered on June 4 after she was reported missing on May 29. The procession moved under scorching afternoon heat, with participants wearing white shirts and some carrying white flowers. A banner at the front read "Lyhanna.

Never again! " Lyhanna's father Martial Bernard, her mother Charly Rameau, and Fleurance mayor Gregory Bobbato walked at the head of the march. Local representatives attended, but national politicians stayed away in accordance with the family's request.

Lyhanna's brother also took part. , was charged with suspected abduction on June 1 and remains in custody. He is the father of one of Lyhanna's school friends and lived with his family in the neighboring village of Montestruc-sur-Gers.

Jerome B. had previously worked as a staff member in schools and had faced four prior complaints alleging the rape of minors, none of which resulted in a conviction. Lyhanna was last seen getting into a man's car.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned "unacceptable" lapses in the judicial system last week. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin apologized to the family and said he is "furious" over the handling of the earlier complaints against Jerome B.