In a tragic development, the body of 28-year-old Agathe Hilairet was discovered on May 5, 2025, almost a month after she went missing while jogging in Vivonne, a commune in the Vienne region of France. Her disappearance on April 10 sparked an extensive search involving gendarmes, drones, and volunteers, but no trace of her was found until a passerby stumbled upon her remains in a secluded forest area.
The discovery of Hilairet's body has reignited the pain for her family and friends, who have been enduring an agonizing wait for answers. The body was found about 10 kilometers from Vivionne, in a location that had not been previously searched. The advanced state of decomposition has complicated the investigation, as preliminary autopsy results have failed to determine the cause of death.
Cyril Lacombe, the prosecutor overseeing the case, stated, "Several complementary analyses are underway to continue the investigations." Investigators are currently considering both criminal and accidental leads, as they work to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death.
One of the key tools being utilized in this investigation is the AnaCrim software, which has previously been applied in the case of another missing person, little Émile. This advanced criminal analysis tool helps to analyze connections between phone calls, testimonies, and digital traces. Alain Bauer, a criminology professor, explained how the software can reveal suspicious activities in the area based on telephone mapping. "When you enter the data, the software will indicate that you had a conversation with someone. From this information, several deductions are possible," he said.
As investigators delve deeper into the case, they aim to identify any signs of violence and determine the date of death. David Galtier, a former deputy director of the national gendarmerie’s judicial police, indicated that the police are looking for traces of violence, DNA, or micro-DNA on Hilairet's body. Jacques Dallest, a former investigating judge, raised critical questions regarding the circumstances of the body’s placement: "Was the body deposited after the searches? Did a third party intervene?" These queries highlight the complexities of the ongoing investigation.
Initially, authorities had not ruled out various theories regarding Hilairet's disappearance, including voluntary departure, accident, or foul play. However, recent developments have led to a significant shift in focus. According to Patrick Chilliard, a lieutenant-colonel and former expert at the Institute for Criminal Research of the National Gendarmerie, the theory of voluntary departure has been definitively ruled out. He stated, "We can rule out the theory of a voluntary departure," which has caused investigators to concentrate on more serious scenarios, such as an accident or an unfortunate encounter.
Despite this progress, the lack of evidence remains a significant challenge. Investigators are meticulously reevaluating testimonies, movements, and telephone data to piece together the events leading up to Hilairet's disappearance. The family and friends of the young woman, who was known for her vibrant personality and athleticism, are left grappling with uncertainty. One anonymous family member expressed the collective sentiment: "What we want now is to understand." The wait for scientific results has become another layer of distress for those who knew and loved her.
As the investigation continues, the pressure mounts on law enforcement to uncover the truth. Each piece of evidence, however small, could be crucial in shedding light on the circumstances surrounding Agathe Hilairet's tragic death. The community in Vivonne mourns the loss of a cherished member, and the hope for clarity remains strong.
With the use of cutting-edge technology and the dedication of investigators, there is a glimmer of hope that the mystery of Agathe Hilairet's death will soon be unraveled. As the authorities pursue every lead, the families and friends of the victim cling to the hope that justice will be served and that they will finally receive the answers they desperately seek.
