French police have expanded the detention of a 59-year-old man who has been questioned for the death of his young grandson, who went on vacation about two years ago.
Philippe Vedovini has been detained with his wife Anne and two adult children since Tuesday because of her death in connection with Emile Soleil, who disappeared in July 2023 in the remote home of her grandparents and grandparents.
It was not until late March last year that a mountain hiker crossed the skull and a child’s teeth about 1.7 km (a mile) from their home.
Later, fragments of clothes and bones were found in the same area.
Isabelle Colombani, a lawyer representing Philippe Vedovini, told reporters in Marseille Tuesday night that her client’s initial 24-hour custody time had been extended.
She added that he is answering questions “so that we are closer to the truth.”
Julien Pinelli, an attorney for Anne Vedovini, also said she will continue to be detained for further inquiries.
Aix-en-Provence prosecutor Jean-Luc Blachon said earlier Tuesday that all four suspects were detained for murder and concealing the body.
Sources close to the investigation also raised questions about more than a dozen witnesses.
A search warrant was obtained to search the Vedovinis houses in the small village of La Bouilladisse. ATVs and horse boxes were recycled.
Philippe Vedovini is a bone disease and physical therapist for La Bouilladisse. He and his wife are determined Catholics, with 10 children, all of whom are homeschooled.
ALC/PHZ/JM
