Murder of 11-Year-Old Louise Sparks National Mourning and Political Controversy

The tragic death of a French schoolgirl has led to widespread grief and polarizing political exploitation, with an investigation underway and suspects identified but released without charges.

Louise, an 11-year-old girl, was found dead in a wooded area near her school in Épinay-sur-Orge after disappearing on February 7, with her body showing multiple stab wounds in vital areas.
The French prosecutor has opened a murder investigation, entrusting it to specialized crime units; a young couple was detained for questioning but later released without charges.
The local community has responded with an outpouring of grief, holding vigils, laying flowers, and attending a memorial service, while psychological support is being offered to residents and students.
Far-right groups have exploited the tragedy by linking it to immigration, despite the victim's family explicitly requesting no political manipulation of their loss.
The case has reignited debates over national identity and immigration in France, with inflammatory rhetoric from some political figures fueling division.