Remains of missing French toddler Émile found after months

Body remains of a toddler who had been missing for months have been found in France. French media report this based on the public prosecutor’s office. Researchers managed to identify bones recovered yesterday near the hamlet of Le Haut Vernet.

Two-year-old Émile disappeared near that mountain village in southeastern France at the beginning of July last year. A major search was launched, but there was no trace of the toddler.

These are images from last July, when no effort was spared to find Émile:

According to the prosecutor’s office, bones were found yesterday near where he disappeared. French broadcaster BFMTV reports that a hiker discovered a skull during the day. Investigation by the public prosecutor’s office has now shown that these are the remains of Émile.

The place where the skull was located has previously been extensively searched. The police are now conducting further investigations in the hope of finding more remains of the boy.

It is not yet clear how the toddler died. French justice assumes a crime and no longer a missing persons case.

The toddler’s family was informed this morning. A few days ago, actors in the village recreated the day Émile disappeared.

The boy was last seen in an alley near his grandparents’ home. According to French media, his grandparents were preparing the car for a ride.

A search brought together 800 volunteers. House searches were carried out in November. A special tip line was also opened. Last year, 1,200 reports were received.