Manhunt for killer after girl, 11, found dead ‘with stab wounds’ in woods as ‘murder’ sparks fury in ‘quiet’ French town

A MANHUNT is underway after an 11-year-old girl was tragically found dead with "stab wounds" with a murder probe launched. Louise Lasalle, from Essonne in northern France, went missing shortly before 2pm on Friday after leaving André-Maurois middle school in Épinay-sur-Orge. When she failed to return home, her panicked parents alerted authorities. But hopes of finding Louise alive were shattered when officers discovered her body early Saturday morning in Parc des Templiers woodlands, less than a mile from her school.

A large-scale police operation was launched, involving specialist search dogs, drones, and a helicopter. An autopsy into the exact causes of the schoolgirl's tragic death was carried out on Saturday afternoon. It added that there wasn't evidence to suggest there was sexual violence. Now "traumatised" locals have spoken out about the heinous murder of the young girl and expressed their shock and anger of it occurring in such a "quiet" Essonne neighbourhood.

Speaking to Le Parisien, one local father said while clenching his fists: "I'm furious - I'm horrified by what I heard. "These are our neighbours, we can't even imagine their pain. Friday, February 7, 2025. 1.50 pm – Louise Lasalle, 11, leaves André-Maurois middle school in Épinay-sur-Orge, northern France. She is last seen heading towards the Bas Follet trail. 2pm – CCTV footage captures Louise walking in the direction of Parc des Templiers woodlands, located about half a mile from her school.

Afternoon – When Louise fails to return home, her parents become increasingly worried. Evening – Louise’s family reports her missing to the police. Her sister posts an urgent message on social media, describing Louise’s last-known location and appearance. Night – Police begin a search for the missing girl. Officers deploy specialist search dogs, drones, and a helicopter to track her down.

Saturday, February 8, 2025. 12.45 am – Police arrest a 23-year-old man, reportedly seen on CCTV footage, along with his 20-year-old partner at their home in Épinay-sur-Orge. Early morning – Louise’s body is discovered in Parc des Templiers woodlands, not far from her school. Morning – Public prosecutor Grégoire Dulin confirms that "an investigation into the murder of a minor has been opened" and is now in the hands of the Versailles organised and specialised crime division.

Afternoon – Police continue combing the area for evidence while forensic experts begin their work at the crime scene. Evening – Authorities announce that an autopsy will be conducted to determine the exact cause of Louise’s death. "We have children too. The neighbourhood is dead, we're traumatised.". And a 16-year-old schoolboy told La Nouvelle Republique: "It's a shock. I can't believe it.". He explained how it was a shock that such a case has occurred "in this kind of neighbourhood, this kind of quiet city".

The teen added: "We're all in mourning.". Authorities initially arrested a 22-year-old man, reportedly seen on surveillance footage, and his 20-year-old partner. No evidence was held against them and they left free without prosecution as fears loom that the killer is still on the loose. Public prosecutor Grégoire Dulin confirmed that "an investigation into the murder of a minor has been opened" and is being handled by the Versailles organised and specialised crime division.