An 11-year-old boy was found dead on May 24, 2026, on the banks of the Vilaine river in Rennes, northwestern France, with a wet bath towel tied tightly around his neck [1, 2, 3]. The discovery came after a fisherman alerted police to the cries of a child in the area [1, 2, 3].
On May 25, police took two teenagers into custody: a 16-year-old boy detained at his home and a 15-year-old girl who presented herself to the police [1, 2, 3]. Both are charged with the murder of a minor. Rennes prosecutor Frederic Teillet said, "It is therefore the two young people who were seen with the victim at the scene on the afternoon of the incident who are currently in police custody on charges of 'murder of a minor.'" [1]
Authorities blocked off the river area and arranged for divers to conduct underwater searches to gather evidence following the discovery of the body [1, 3]. Earlier reports had mistakenly stated the boy was 12 years old, but Prosecutor Teillet clarified the victim was in fact 11 [2].
The suspects were seen with the victim at the scene on the afternoon of the incident [1, 2, 3]. Police remain focused on the ongoing investigation and evidence collection.
Divers continued searches in the Vilaine river on May 25 as police maintained a secure perimeter to preserve the scene for further inquiries [1, 3].
