Teenager, 17, Formally Identified as Suspect in Barkly Assault on 6-Year-Old Girl

An investigation into the assault of a six-year-old girl in Résidence Barkly took a major turn on Thursday afternoon after a 17-year-old boy was formally identified as the main suspect.

Key Identification Breakthrough

The breakthrough came nearly a week after the incident, which occurred on Monday, November 24, when the victim was assaulted at her home.

Her 14-year-old brother was present during the attack and intervened to help his sister, sustaining an injury in the process.

In his initial police statement, the 14-year-old explained that an individual had attempted to strangle his sister before fleeing.

This testimony proved crucial, leading to an identification parade at a police station in Hautes Plaines-Wilhems on Thursday, November 28.

During the exercise, the brother formally pointed out a young local resident as the assailant.

Initial Arrest and Release

The 17-year-old suspect had been apprehended on Monday evening at his home. Security guards, supported by residents of Chebel, had identified him and surrounded his house before alerting the police, leading to his arrest.

However, after a first interrogation, the young man denied all involvement in the assault and was released.

Case Sent to Public Prosecutor

The formal identification has now changed the course of the inquiry. Despite the positive identification, the 17-year-old was again authorised to leave after the parade.

The case file will now be submitted to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) office, who will decide on the next steps in this matter involving two minors.

Investigators are continuing their work as the Résidence Barkly community remains deeply affected by the aggression, which has caused great emotion in the neighbourhood.

Source: Defi Media