Jérôme Barella was charged with the rape and murder of schoolgirl Lyhanna by an investigative judge in Agen on Tuesday, a significant escalation in a case that has drawn national attention across France.
Barella, who was initially charged with kidnapping and unlawful confinement of a minor on 1 June, appeared before the judge for the first time since the girl's body was discovered in the Gers department on 4 June. Agen prosecutor Olivier Naboulet sought the upgraded charges of murder and rape of a minor following autopsy results returned in late June. A search of Barella's home in Montestruc-sur-Gers was carried out on 6 July.
Barella has been placed in solitary confinement under heightened surveillance due to suicide risk.