The grandparents of 2-year-old Émile Soleil, who vanished in July 2023, have been arrested on suspicion of his murder. Émile disappeared from his grandparents’ garden in Le Haut-Vernet, a village in the French Alps, sparking nationwide searches that initially yielded no results. Nine months later, the toddler’s remains were found by a hiker near the village.

Philippe Vedovini, Émile’s grandfather, and his wife have been arrested in La Bouilladisse, charged with “voluntary homicide” and “concealing a corpse.” Alongside them, two of their adult children were also taken into custody. The arrest marks a significant turn in the investigation into the child’s death.

Émile’s disappearance drew widespread media attention, particularly due to past allegations against his grandfather, who was questioned in the 1990s over violence and sexual assault at a private school. However, his role was not initially seen as central to the investigation.

Forensic teams have recently returned to Le Vernet to search further areas, with more developments expected in the ongoing investigation. The public prosecutor has confirmed that forensic operations are still underway.