Tragedy in Essonne: What We Know About the Death of Louise, 11

Louise, an 11-year-old schoolgirl from Longjumeau, was found dead on the night of February 7 to 8, 2025, in a wooded area in Essonne, after being reported missing upon leaving her school in Épinay-sur-Orge. The young girl was assaulted and stabbed multiple times. An investigation for “murder of a minor under 15” is ongoing.

A Disappearance Reported Quickly
Louise left André-Maurois Middle School on Friday, February 7, around 2 p.m. but never made it home. Concerned, her family alerted the police at 3:30 p.m. Appeals for witnesses and photos of the child were shared on social media in an effort to find her. According to the last sightings, she was seen near a pedestrian crossing and on surveillance footage close to her home.

A Massive Search Operation
Following the report of her disappearance, a large-scale search operation was launched. Police, gendarmes, firefighters, and volunteers focused their efforts around the wooded park of Templiers, near the school. Drones, a helicopter, and tracking dogs were deployed. It was ultimately a firefighter’s dog that discovered Louise’s lifeless body at 2:30 a.m.

The Circumstances of the Tragedy
The autopsy, conducted at the Corbeil-Essonnes Forensic Institute, confirmed that Louise had been beaten and stabbed multiple times, with wounds in vital areas. However, no signs of sexual violence were detected.

The Investigation Progresses
Entrusted to the Versailles Judicial Police, the investigation quickly led to the detention of a 23-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman, arrested at their home in Épinay-sur-Orge. After verification, their custody was lifted due to a lack of conclusive evidence linking them directly to the crime. The investigation continues to identify the perpetrator(s) of this crime.

A Community in Mourning
Louise’s death has caused deep sorrow. The Minister of National Education, Élisabeth Borne, expressed her condolences to the family and offered support to the victim’s classmates and teachers. The Versailles Academy has announced the establishment of a psychological support unit starting Monday at André-Maurois Middle School.

A memorial mass for Louise was held at Saint-Dominique Savio Chapel, demonstrating the solidarity and support of the local community in the face of this tragedy.