Focus on the BIG picture.
Wednesday, Apr 02, 2025
Outside the box.
Grandparents Arrested in Connection with Death of Missing French Toddler
Philippe and Anne Vedovini, along with their adult children, face charges of murder and concealing a corpse following the death of 2-year-old Émile Soleil.
In a significant development in the case of Émile Soleil, a two-year-old boy whose remains were discovered months after he went missing, his grandparents have been arrested on suspicion of murder and concealing his corpse.
Philippe and Anne Vedovini, both 59 years old, were taken into custody by authorities on Tuesday, along with two of their adult children.
This action follows the investigation into Émile's disappearance from a holiday home in Haut-Vernet, located in the French Alps, in July 2023.
Émile was reported missing after he vanished from the family's isolated property.
His remains were located nearly nine months later by a hiker in March 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death and the specifics of how his body was concealed have not been publicly disclosed, and the authorities have not yet established a cause of death.
The arrests were executed after police conducted searches at the family's residence near Marseille, where investigators continued their examination of evidence gathered over the past months.
Prosecutors confirmed the arrests, stating that they were part of a broader inquiry into the case that includes forensic operations being carried out at various sites across France.
A lawyer representing the Vedovinis acknowledged the arrest but refrained from providing further details.
Notably, Émile's parents are not among those arrested, as they are not believed to be the adult children now in custody with the grandparents.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that Mr. Vedovini, a physiotherapist-osteopath, was engaged in outdoor activities around the time of Émile’s disappearance, specifically reported cutting wood.
The incident has reportedly had a devastating impact on Émile's family, with local officials expressing concern for the emotional state of the parents following the tragic discovery of their son's remains.
Local leaders, including José Morale, the mayor of La Bouilladisse—where the Vedovinis reside for a significant part of the year—have publicly stated their commitment to supporting the family during this challenging time.
Morale noted the complexity and magnitude of the grief experienced by the family, asserting that their sadness is profound.
Philippe and Anne Vedovini, both 59 years old, were taken into custody by authorities on Tuesday, along with two of their adult children.
This action follows the investigation into Émile's disappearance from a holiday home in Haut-Vernet, located in the French Alps, in July 2023.
Émile was reported missing after he vanished from the family's isolated property.
His remains were located nearly nine months later by a hiker in March 2024. The circumstances surrounding his death and the specifics of how his body was concealed have not been publicly disclosed, and the authorities have not yet established a cause of death.
The arrests were executed after police conducted searches at the family's residence near Marseille, where investigators continued their examination of evidence gathered over the past months.
Prosecutors confirmed the arrests, stating that they were part of a broader inquiry into the case that includes forensic operations being carried out at various sites across France.
A lawyer representing the Vedovinis acknowledged the arrest but refrained from providing further details.
Notably, Émile's parents are not among those arrested, as they are not believed to be the adult children now in custody with the grandparents.
Eyewitness accounts indicated that Mr. Vedovini, a physiotherapist-osteopath, was engaged in outdoor activities around the time of Émile’s disappearance, specifically reported cutting wood.
The incident has reportedly had a devastating impact on Émile's family, with local officials expressing concern for the emotional state of the parents following the tragic discovery of their son's remains.
Local leaders, including José Morale, the mayor of La Bouilladisse—where the Vedovinis reside for a significant part of the year—have publicly stated their commitment to supporting the family during this challenging time.
Morale noted the complexity and magnitude of the grief experienced by the family, asserting that their sadness is profound.
