The lawyers for Émile Soleil's grandparents submitted hundreds of pages of requests to the investigating judges on Friday, including new searches and massive DNA sampling around the Haut-Vernet hamlet. Anne and Philippe Vedovini, who have joined as civil parties, believe some sites were inadequately examined after the child's disappearance on July 8, 2023. They aim to revive the probe into their grandson's death, where only a piece of skull has been recovered.
Émile Soleil's grandparents, Anne and Philippe Vedovini, refuse to remain passive in the investigation into their grandson's death. On Friday, their lawyers handed over detailed documents to the investigating judges, stemming from their own inquiries. These hundreds of pages include new requests for actions to deepen the searches.
Me Julien Pinelli, Anne Vedovini's lawyer, emphasizes that these requests are a «legitimate contribution» and not a counter-investigation. The Vedovinis seek new digs at the Haut-Vernet site in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. The child vanished on the afternoon of July 8, 2023, after passing a few homes before venturing into the wilderness. The lawyers highlight incomplete visits: the hamlet itself, the washhouse where the trail ends, surrounding paths, steep scrubland, plains, forests, and ravines.
Me Isabelle Colombani, representing Philippe Vedovini, observes that many agricultural buildings were never searched. Only a skull fragment was found on March 30, 2024, on a hiking trail, seemingly placed there deliberately. The rest of the body and the child's personal items are still missing.
The legal team also requests re-interviews of several witnesses, some heard only on statements, which may have restricted disclosures. These leads aim to address gaps and fully clarify the presumed homicide.
