The grandparents of two-and-a-half-year-old Emile Soleil have been released without charges after two days of questioning by police, escalating the investigation into the circumstances of the toddler's disappearance and subsequent death in the French Alps. Philippe Vedovini and his wife, Anne, were part of a group of four family members detained earlier this week on suspicions of murder and concealment of a corpse. Alongside the couple, their two adult children were also released on Thursday morning, as confirmed by prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon.
During the investigation, it was revealed that investigators now believe Emile's clothes and remains were transported to a nearby wooded area shortly before their discovery in March. An analysis of the boy’s skull has indicated signs of "violent facial trauma," leading authorities to conclude that there is a high probability of third-party involvement in his disappearance and death.
While initial hypotheses pointed to the possibility that Emile wandered off and may have suffered an accidental fall, the inquiry took a different direction following the release of the family members. Although these individuals are no longer under suspicion, prosecutor Blachon emphasized that the investigation into Emile's death remains open and that they are committed to uncovering the truth surrounding the case.
French law permits individuals to be detained for questioning for a specified period to establish their possible involvement in a crime. Julien Pinelli, the lawyer representing Mrs. Vedovini, described the past 48 hours as "tense and trying," while expressing hope that the family aspect of the investigation can be conclusively ruled out.
Emile was last seen on July 8, 2023, walking by himself in the quaint Alpine village of Haut-Vernet, where he was staying with his grandparents. A massive search involving hundreds of individuals, sniffer dogs, and military personnel commenced soon after, but the toddler appeared to have vanished. His remains were eventually discovered by a hiker nearly a kilometer away from the village in a difficult-to-access woodland area.
The shocking case of Emile’s disappearance and death continues to grip public attention across France, where it remains a subject of intense media coverage and speculation.
