Two teenagers have been charged in connection with the death of an 11-year-old boy found near the Vilaine River in Rennes, northwestern France. Authorities say the boy had a towel tied tightly around his neck.
Details of the Incident
The boy was discovered on Sunday, May 31, 2026, by a local fisherman who reported hearing a child crying before finding the body around 5 p.m. Firefighters attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene from cardiac arrest.
The location where the boy was found is in a wooded area about a 10-minute walk from the upscale Place du Parlement-de-Bretagne neighborhood in Rennes.
Suspects Taken into Custody
Rennes prosecutor Frederic Teillet confirmed that a 16-year-old boy was arrested at his home, while a 15-year-old girl turned herself in to police on Monday, June 1. Both teens were seen with the victim at the scene on the afternoon of the incident.
Authorities plan to charge both with murder of a minor, according to AFP reports.
Ongoing Investigation
While the two teenagers are in custody, police have stated that the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death are still under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the involvement of additional individuals.
The boy’s parents arrived at the scene shortly after being alerted by police, including his mother, who was searching for him when his body was found.
