A horrifying crime has rocked the quiet town of Épinay-sur-Orge in northern France, where 11-year-old Louise Lasalle was found dead in a wooded area just hours after she was reported missing. Authorities have launched a large-scale manhunt to track down her killer as the community grapples with shock and grief.

The Tragic Disappearance of Louise Lasalle

Louise Lasalle, a middle school student at André-Maurois in Épinay-sur-Orge, was last seen at around 1:50 PM on Friday, February 7, 2025. She had left her school and was reportedly walking toward the Bas Follet trail, a route she often took. CCTV footage later captured her heading toward Parc des Templiers, a woodland area just half a mile from her school.

When Louise failed to return home that afternoon, her parents became alarmed. By the evening, her worried family officially reported her missing, and her sister took to social media to plead for help, sharing her last known whereabouts.

By nightfall, police launched a large-scale search effort, deploying search dogs, drones, and even a helicopter to comb through the dense woodland in hopes of locating the young girl. But the worst fears of her family and the community were realised when her lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The Shocking Discovery in Parc des Templiers

At 2:30 AM on Saturday, February 8, police located Louise’s body in Parc des Templiers woodlands, not far from where she was last seen. Initial reports indicated that she had suffered multiple stab wounds, leading authorities to confirm that an official murder investigation had been opened.

Public prosecutor Grégoire Dulin announced that the case was now in the hands of the Versailles organised and specialised crime division. The discovery of Louise’s body in such a brutal manner has deeply unsettled residents, many of whom describe the Essonne region as a typically peaceful and family-friendly place.

Suspects Detained and Released

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, police arrested a 23-year-old man and his 20-year-old partner at their home in Épinay-sur-Orge. The man had reportedly been spotted on CCTV footage near the scene of Louise’s disappearance, prompting law enforcement to take him into custody for questioning.

However, after thorough interrogation, both individuals were released without charges, and no other suspects have since been apprehended. Investigators are still combing through evidence to determine who is responsible for Louise’s death.

The Autopsy, Manhunt and Ongoing Investigation

On Saturday afternoon, forensic experts conducted an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. While official results have yet to be disclosed, sources close to the case have suggested that there were no indications of sexual violence.

Authorities continue to examine CCTV footage, interview potential witnesses, and collect forensic evidence from the scene to establish a timeline of events and identify the killer.

A Devastated Community Reacts

News of Louise’s brutal murder has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community of Épinay-sur-Orge. Residents, parents, and schoolchildren have expressed grief, anger, and fear in the wake of the tragedy.

A local father, speaking to Le Parisien, voiced his frustration:
“I’m furious – I’m horrified by what I heard. These are our neighbours. We can’t even imagine their pain. We have children too.”

Another resident, a 16-year-old schoolboy, shared his disbelief:
“It’s a shock. I can’t believe it. We’re all in mourning. This kind of thing doesn’t happen in our town.”

The local government has also expressed its deep condolences to Louise’s grieving family, vowing to support them during this difficult time.

Public Outrage and Growing Fear

The murder has sparked nationwide outrage, with many calling for enhanced child safety measures, increased police patrols, and harsher penalties for violent offenders.

Concerned parents in Épinay-sur-Orge are now questioning whether their children are safe walking home alone. One mother stated,
“I won’t let my daughter go anywhere alone anymore. This is beyond terrifying.”

Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity that could assist in identifying the suspect.

Appeal for Information

As the hunt for Louise’s killer continues, police have issued a public appeal for witnesses or anyone with relevant information to come forward. Law enforcement is particularly interested in speaking with individuals who may have been in the vicinity of Parc des Templiers around the time of her disappearance.

Residents are urged to check security cameras, dashcams, or any mobile footage that could provide critical clues to the investigation.

Conclusion

The murder of 11-year-old Louise Lasalle has left a deep scar on the community of Épinay-sur-Orge, with many struggling to process the horrific and senseless crime. As authorities continue to work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice, locals mourn the tragic loss of a young life full of promise.

For now, the question remains: who is responsible for Louise’s death, and will justice be served? Until then, her memory will live on, and her community will not rest until answers are found.

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