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Disappearance of little Émile: the grandfather’s past challenges investigators
Disappearance of little Émile: the grandfather’s past challenges investigators
(France 2)
New revelations emerge in the investigation into the disappearance of little Émile last July in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The past of the grandfather, who had custody, comes to the surface and raises questions.
He had custody of Émile on the day of his disappearance, July 8, 2023, in the village of Haut-Vernet (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence). The grandfather is now of interest to investigators. At issue is a case which dates back to 1991. Philippe V. then joined a religious community in Pas-de-Calais, a village of children placed by the DDASS, where complaints of violence and sexual assault were filed.
Witness assisted in an investigation into violence against minors
Émile’s grandfather was 23 years old at the time, a physiotherapist and scout leader. In 2018, he was placed under assisted witness status in the investigation into violence against minors. One of the former residents described the terror that reigned at the time: “slaps, kicks” And “from some, belt shots”.
Heard in 2018, Émile’s grandfather, who admitted punishment “a little harsh” on children, was not indicted. The investigation is still underway at the Béthune public prosecutor’s office (Pas-de-Calais). For investigators at this stage, no link can be established between the two cases.
