A second official report has revealed significant failures in the investigation of earlier rape accusations against Jérôme Barella, the man now charged with the rape and murder of 14-year-old Lyhanna in Béthune, northern France. The report, disclosed by Agence France-Presse on Thursday, July 16, points to « délais manifestement excessifs » — manifestly excessive delays — and a « manque de moyens » — lack of resources — in the handling of the earlier complaints.
Barella was placed under formal investigation for the rape and murder of Lyhanna, whose body was discovered in a wooded area near Béthune in early 2024. The case has drawn widespread public attention and raised questions about how authorities dealt with previous allegations of sexual violence against minors involving the same suspect.
The new report, commissioned by the regional judicial authorities, examines the police and judicial response to complaints filed against Barella before Lyhanna’s death. It concludes that the earlier inquiries suffered from unacceptable delays and insufficient allocation of personnel and forensic resources. Investigators reportedly faced backlogs in processing evidence and conducting interviews, which may have allowed Barella to remain at liberty longer than warranted.
This is the second critical assessment of the handling of the case. An earlier report, released in June, had already identified procedural weaknesses and a lack of coordination between local police units and the prosecutor’s office. Together, the two reports paint a picture of systemic shortcomings in the justice system’s ability to protect minors from repeat offenders.
Lyhanna’s family has expressed anger and grief over what they see as missed opportunities to prevent the tragedy. Her mother told local media that the authorities had been warned about Barella’s behaviour but failed to act decisively. « We trusted the system, and it let us down, » she said in an interview published by La Voix du Nord.
The case has also prompted broader debate in France about the effectiveness of mechanisms for tracking and monitoring individuals accused of sexual crimes against children. Advocacy groups have called for mandatory risk assessments and faster processing of complaints involving minors. Some legal experts argue that the delays highlighted in the reports reflect chronic underfunding of the judiciary and police, particularly in smaller jurisdictions like Béthune.
Jérôme Barella, aged 34 at the time of his arrest, has been in pre-trial detention since his indictment. His lawyer has not commented publicly on the latest report. The investigation into Lyhanna’s death continues, with forensic experts analysing digital evidence and witness statements.
The revelations come at a time when French authorities are under pressure to improve their response to gender-based and sexual violence. In 2023, the government announced additional funding for specialised police units and training for judges handling such cases. However, critics say implementation has been uneven, and the Lyhanna case illustrates persistent gaps.
Local officials in Béthune have promised a thorough review of the investigative procedures. The public prosecutor acknowledged the findings of the second report and stated that corrective measures are being introduced, including better case management software and additional staff for the juvenile protection unit. « We owe it to Lyhanna and to all victims to learn from these mistakes, » the prosecutor said in a statement.
The case has also resonated beyond France, with international media covering the story as an example of how judicial delays can have fatal consequences. Human rights organisations have urged the French government to implement the recommendations of both reports without delay.
As the legal process unfolds, Lyhanna’s family continues to demand accountability not only for the alleged perpetrator but also for the institutions they believe failed their daughter. A memorial march is planned for next month in Béthune to honour her memory and call for justice reform.
