John Berthe's disappearance revisited

John Berthe disappeared in 1982 at the age of 13 in Théoule-sur-Mer, near Cannes in the Alpes-Maritimes. His mother, Deborah, has now launched a final appeal to witnesses more than 44 years after his disappearance.

Last seen on a red bicycle

John was last seen returning home on his bright red bicycle on November 3, 1982. Deborah believes her son was killed by a construction vehicle, a theory based on a single credible testimony from a glass artisan.

Testimony of guilt and voices

The artisan, whose workshop was at the corner of the street where John disappeared, reportedly heard voices saying, "What do we do with the bicycle?" and felt guilty about what happened. This account has shaped Deborah's belief about the circumstances of her son's death.

Encounter with a spiritual claim

Deborah's belief was reinforced by an encounter with an octogenarian in Corsica. Her sister-in-law met the man at a dinner and told him about John. The man claimed to have a gift of seeing things and described an accident involving three men, a construction vehicle, and John's body.

Impact of the vision

This account deeply affected Deborah, who said it was the first time she heard something so logical. It almost relieved her of the constant torment of wondering whether her son had been beaten, raped, tortured, or had cried out for help.

Investigation closed without leads

The investigation into John's disappearance was closed in 1986 without any solid leads. The gendarmes have not taken her claims seriously, prompting Deborah to turn to the media to reach out to potential witnesses.

Statute of limitations and plea for help

Deborah stated there is no longer anything to fear due to the statute of limitations and that even an anonymous tip would be welcome. "John is still my child, in my heart, in my mind," she said. "He will always be. So if there is even a chance to know something, please, relieve us, tell us!"