Parents to face trial after 39 years

The parents of Inass Touloub, a four-year-old girl found dead and dismembered in 1987, will appear before the court of assizes in Blois, France, 39 years after the incident. The trial is expected to last until November 18 and marks the end of one of the country's oldest unsolved murder cases.

Child's body found in 1987

Inass Touloub's dismembered body was discovered in a ditch along the A10 motorway in the village of Suèvres in August 1987. No one had reported her disappearance, and the case became a mystery that fueled judicial discussions for decades.

Signs of severe abuse found

Forensic analysis of Inass's body revealed signs of extreme violence, including burns from an iron and scars from what were believed to be human bites. These injuries led to her being nicknamed "the little martyr of the A10."

Cold case solved with DNA

The case remained unsolved for over 30 years until 2018, when investigators used a DNA sample from Inass's brother to match genetic material found on the girl's belongings. This led to the identification of her parents and their arrest in June 2018.

Legal delays prolonged trial

Despite the arrest, the trial was delayed for several years due to legal appeals from both the parents and prosecutors in Blois. The Court of Cassation finally approved the trial in September 2024, allowing the case to proceed.

Parents deny involvement

During their custody, Inass's parents did not admit to being responsible for the violence that led to her death. They accused each other of domestic abuse, but investigators claim the mother committed "voluntary, numerous, and spread out over time" acts that resulted in her daughter's death.

Community remembers the child

Inass's grave in the cemetery of Suèvres is regularly maintained and decorated by local residents. Agathe Morel of the association Enfance et partage described the trial as a step toward restoring dignity to the girl, who lost her identity. Approximately 80 journalists have been accredited to cover the proceedings.