French authorities have arrested the grandparents of Émile Soleil, a toddler who vanished nearly two years ago, on suspicion of murder and concealing his body.
Émile, 2, disappeared in July 2023 while staying at his grandparents’ home in Le Haut-Vernet, a hamlet in the French Alps. His remains were discovered by a hiker nine months later, reigniting interest in the case.
Aix-en-Provence prosecutors confirmed that Émile’s grandfather, Philippe Vedovini, and his wife were detained in La Bouilladisse. Two other individuals were also taken into custody as part of the investigation.
The child’s disappearance gripped France, with large-scale searches failing to yield results. His parents, absent at the time, had previously expressed hope for a miracle.
The case has drawn media scrutiny, particularly concerning Émile’s grandfather, who had been questioned in the 1990s over allegations of violence and sexual assault at a private school.
Forensic teams recently returned to Le Vernet to conduct new searches. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, with further developments expected.
