Police launched a murder investigation after finding the body of an 11-year-old girl in a wooded area near her school in northern France, approximately 16 miles south of Paris.
Louise Lasalle was reported missing by her parents on Friday, February 7, 2025, when she failed to return home from André-Maurois Middle School. Her typical walk home usually took about 10 minutes. Lasalle was last seen carrying a purple backpack as she left the school grounds before 2 p.m.
Following her disappearance, Lasalle’s older sister took to social media to seek public assistance. She noted that her sister was last seen crossing a street in Longjumeau, where the family lives. The social media post quickly circulated among local community members, prompting immediate concern from Longjumeau and Epinay-sur-Orge residents.
The Parc des Templiers woodlands, where Lasalle’s body was eventually discovered, is located less than a mile from her school. Police searched comprehensively after discovering CCTV footage of Lasalle entering the wooded area. The search involved tracking dogs, helicopters, and drones, with local law enforcement mobilizing significant resources throughout the evening. “It was with great emotion that we learned that Louise’s body had been found lifeless that night, in the Bois des Templiers,” police wrote in a French-language press release shared on Facebook. “As soon as her disappearance was reported, all means were deployed to try to find her.”
Authorities located Lasalle’s body at approximately 2:30 a.m. on February 8. According to police, the victim had sustained multiple stab wounds, though officials have not released an official cause of death pending autopsy results. The Versailles organized and specialized crime division has been assigned to handle the investigation, given the severity and nature of the crime.
Law enforcement detained a 23-year-old man and his 20-year-old partner after surveillance footage showed the man walking behind Lasalle. The man was previously known to local authorities, though the nature of his prior encounters with law enforcement has not been disclosed. Both individuals were taken into custody when police arrived at the man’s residence just after midnight. The parents of the 20-year-old woman vehemently denied their daughter’s involvement in any wrongdoing. After questioning, both suspects were released from custody without charges.
French Minister of Education Élisabeth Borne expressed condolences on social media platform X, stating: “Following the discovery of the body of young Louise last night in Essonne, I offer my condolences to her family, her loved ones, her classmates and her teachers. I am counting on investigators and the justice system to shed light on this tragedy.”
The Versailles judicial police have taken over the case, with area public prosecutor Grégoire Dulin confirming that authorities opened an investigation for the “murder of a minor under 15.” Investigators continue to analyze surveillance footage from the surrounding area. They are appealing for witnesses who may have been near the Parc des Templiers between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on February 7.
A memorial service was held at a local church on February 8 to honor Lasalle’s memory. Outside André-Maurois Middle School in Epinay-sur-Orge, community members established a memorial with flowers and photographs. Students and teachers gathered at the memorial throughout the day to pay their respects.
The police stressed that the investigation is ongoing, urging the public to give law enforcement and the justice system the necessary time to uncover the truth.