The investigation into the tragic disappearance and death of two-and-a-half-year-old Émile Soleil took a significant turn as the four family members in custody were released without charges early Thursday morning. The public prosecutor of Aix-en-Provence, Jean-Luc Blachon, is set to address the media at 10:30 AM to discuss the latest developments in the case.
Philippe Vedovini, Émile's maternal grandfather, and his wife Anne were released from custody around 3:00 AM on March 27, 2025, after being questioned for over 17 hours. Their release came as no charges were filed against them, a fact confirmed by their attorney, Me Isabelle Colombani, who stated, "There may have been some shadows to clear, but here we are..." Anne Vedovini, who also expressed relief, stated through her lawyer, "It was a natural contribution to this investigation, and she awaits answers regarding Émile's death."
On March 25, 2025, the couple, along with their two adult children, an uncle and an aunt of Émile, were taken into custody in La Bouilladisse, where they reside. They were detained under suspicions of "homicide volontaire" (voluntary homicide) and "recel de cadavre" (concealing a corpse). Their questioning was part of a broader investigation that has spanned nearly two years since Émile's disappearance on July 8, 2023, from his grandparents' vacation home in the Haut-Vernet hamlet.
Émile's disappearance sparked a massive search effort, with numerous citizen-led initiatives and judicial searches conducted in the rugged terrain where he was last seen. Despite these efforts, no trace of the child was found until March 2024, when a passerby discovered his skull and teeth approximately 1.7 kilometers from the hamlet, alongside some clothing and bone fragments.
The investigation has been complex and multifaceted, with over 3,141 reports verified and 287 witness interviews conducted. Colonel Christophe Berthelin, head of the Marseille research section, reported that 27 vehicles were analyzed, and 285 hectares were searched in the ongoing effort to uncover the truth behind Émile's tragic fate.
During the press conference, prosecutor Blachon indicated that the investigation is now leaning towards the possibility of a third-party involvement in Émile's disappearance and death. He stated, "The investigations have revealed anatomical marks on the skull that suggest a violent facial trauma." This raises serious concerns regarding the circumstances surrounding the child's death.
While the family members have been released, the prosecutor emphasized that the familial connection is not entirely ruled out, stating that the family track remains open. "It was necessary to understand their reactions in light of the relationships that bind this family," he explained.
The release of the Vedovini couple has raised mixed reactions within the community. The local PMU bar in La Bouilladisse has been abuzz with conversations about the case, with some locals expressing relief at the lack of charges. One bar owner remarked, "Since they’ve been released, it means there’s nothing against them; there’s no reason to blame them."
In a related development, the home of Claude Gilliot, the priest who baptized Émile shortly before his disappearance, was also searched by investigators. Gilliot, who passed away by suicide on March 15, 2025, had been close to Émile’s family. Sources indicate that tensions arose between him and the Vedovini family following the media frenzy surrounding Émile's disappearance.
The ongoing investigation continues to unravel the complexities surrounding Émile's tragic story. As the prosecutor prepares to address the press, the public remains anxious for more clarity on the case that has captured national attention.
As the investigation unfolds, the community and Émile's family await answers that will hopefully shed light on the series of events that led to this heartbreaking situation. The search for justice for Émile continues, as authorities work tirelessly to piece together the facts surrounding his disappearance and untimely death.
