Missing French toddler: One of Émile's neighbours targeted as the 'perfect culprit' files complaint for harassment

Almost two and a half months after the disappearance of little Emile, tensions in Haut-Vernet continue to escalate. Despite the deployment of authorities, drones, dog teams, remote surveillance and the recent search for a slab sunk on the day of the tragedy, the investigation appears to be making no progress.

As for the 160 inhabitants of the hamlet, they can't take it anymore. They have all been bugged and interviewed several times, including this teenager. Suspected from the outset of the investigation, he finally broke down and filed a complaint, as revealed in the September 13 issue of Le Point.

The 'perfect culprit' questioned several times

Several local residents suspect this son of farmers, and they make no secret of the fact. As early as the first week of the investigation, he had already been questioned several times, reported Le Parisien on 13 July. Already known to the police, he was said to be in the habit of speeding his tractor through the streets of Haut-Vernet. He is said to have caused two accidents in the last two years. One of his neighbours told BFMTV on 21 July:

In Vernet, that makes him a perfect culprit.

His vehicle, which his mother had had to take to the Direction Départementale de l'Equipement (DDE), was examined.

Read more: Missing French toddler: Mysterious call for help was heard two months before Emile disappeared

Teenager cleared of all wrongdoing, files complaint

After several interviews, investigators were able to determine that he was indeed absent when the child disappeared. But the damage had already been done, and the teenager's reputation was already tarnished among his family and neighbours. Moreover, it was the latter who had not hesitated to share their suspicions with the gendarmes.

Exasperated, he reportedly decided to file a complaint with the police for 'slanderous denunciation'. This is unlikely to ease tensions in the village.

Read more:Missing French toddler: Witness reveals he saw Émile's grandfather when the boy disappeared

This article has been translated from Oh!MyMag FR.

Sources used:

BFMTV

Le Parisien

Le Point