Jérôme Barella Charged with Murder and Rape in the Lyhanna Case

Jérôme Barella, the primary suspect in the killing of 11-year-old Lyhanna, was formally charged on July 15 with the murder and rape of a minor under 15, according to the Agen prosecutor's office. Lyhanna was found dead on June 4 in the Gers region, and Barella, a 41-year-old interim worker, was taken from Mont-de-Marsan prison for questioning by investigating magistrates. Initially charged with kidnapping and sequestration after Lyhanna's disappearance, Barella now faces charges that carry a potential life sentence.

During his interrogation, Barella answered some questions about his personality but then invoked his right to silence. He was charged with murder of a minor under 15 years preceded or accompanied by rape, as well as rape of a minor under 15 years. Additionally, Barella has been implicated in another case involving a girl named Rosa, who accused him of multiple rapes. Rosa's mother lodged a complaint in August 2025, but Barella had not faced consequences at that time. Rosa alleges Barella raped her approximately fifty times, according to an inspection report. In this separate "Rosa" case, Barella also invoked his right to silence before being placed under a criminal detention order.

This escalation in charges signals a significant development in the ongoing judicial proceedings related to these serious crimes. The legal process continues as authorities seek justice in both the Lyhanna and Rosa cases.