Story perspectives

9-Year-Old Rescued from Father's Van After Months Locked Up

4/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

A 9-year-old boy was rescued from his father's utility van in Hagenbach, eastern France, where he had been locked since November 2024.
The child was malnourished and unable to walk, having received food only twice daily and not showered since late 2024.
The father, 43, claimed he locked the boy up to protect him from his partner, who wanted to send him to a psychiatric hospital.
The father faces preliminary kidnapping charges, while his partner is charged with failing to assist a minor.
The boy's siblings are now in the care of social services, and an investigation is ongoing.

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Story summary

A 9-year-old boy was rescued from his father's utility van in Hagenbach, eastern France, where he had been locked since November 2024.
The child was malnourished and unable to walk, having received food only twice daily and not showered since late 2024.
The father, 43, claimed he locked the boy up to protect him from his partner, who wanted to send him to a psychiatric hospital.
The father faces preliminary kidnapping charges, while his partner is charged with failing to assist a minor.
The boy's siblings are now in the care of social services, and an investigation is ongoing.