2025 - Investigators Explain Why Kidnapping Theory Remains Viable in Émile's Death Case

On 25 March, Philippe Vedovini, the grandfather of little Emile, his wife and two of their children are placed in custody for "voluntary homicide" and "recel of corpse" before being finally released. However, the investigation continues and even takes unpredictable detours. In the columns of the New Detective this week a Youtubeur tells his audition by the gendarmes. At the heart of their interrogations, a video made by him.

A week after their detention, Emile's grandparents retired with the family, far from the media tumult. The investigation continues to solve the mysteries of Emile's death.

The disappearance of the little Emile, which occurred in July 2023, had deeply moved France. This two-and-a-half-year-old boy was volatile as he spent the beginning of his summer vacation with his grandparents in the hamlet of Haut-Vernet, a peaceful corner nestled in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Despite an exceptional mobilization of authorities, residents and many volunteers, no concrete path had emerged for many months. It was on…

An idyllic Alpine village, a deeply religious family, a missing boy, and then the discovery of remains - and more and more strange details. The Émile Soleil case has become one of France's most mysterious and disturbing child deaths. This story is more than a crime: it is a reflection of an entire community.

Will Emile's death be resolved one day? A year and a half after the tragedy, the case experienced a new turnaround. Indeed, on Tuesday, March 25, the maternal grandparents and an uncle and aunt of the little boy were arrested. They were placed in police custody for deliberate homicide and concealment of corpses. During two days, the four family members were questioned about the case. If their statements were not made public, Anne and Philippe Ve…

2025 - Investigators Explain Why Kidnapping Theory Remains Viable in Émile's Death Case

Émile, a two-and-a-half-year-old boy, disappeared on July 8, 2023, in Haut Vernet, with his remains discovered in March 2024. Investigations have probed his maternal grandparents and relatives for possible involvement in his death, but lack of evidence led to their release. Community tensions have escalated, especially following the suicide of Émile’s priest. The case remains open, with theories of abduction and a fatal accident being discussed,…