Malnourished boy found locked in father's van for more than a year unable to walk, hadn't showered since 2024

A 9-year-old malnourished boy was discovered locked in his father's van in Hagenbach, France, after reportedly being confined there for over a year. Authorities found the boy naked, covered in trash, and unable to walk; he stated he hadn't showered since 2024. The father has been charged with kidnapping, claiming he locked the boy in the van to protect him from his partner, who allegedly wanted to send him to a psychiatric facility, despite no evidence of psychiatric issues. The father's partner has been charged with failing to help a minor in danger, denying knowledge of the boy's confinement. The boy's sister and the partner's daughter are now under social services care, while the boy is hospitalized.

In Hagenbach, France, police rescued a nine-year-old boy who had been locked in his father's van since November 2024. Authorities were alerted by a neighbor who heard sounds coming from the vehicle. Upon forcing the van open, they found the malnourished and naked child lying in a fetal position amidst trash and excrement. The boy was hospitalized due to his condition, including an inability to walk. The father claimed he confined the child to protect him from being sent to a psychiatric hospital by his partner. However, the prosecutor stated there was no prior medical record of psychiatric issues, and the boy had previously been a good student. The father has been detained.

In Hagenbach, eastern France, a 9-year-old boy was rescued from a utility van on April 11, 2026, where he had been confined since 2024. Police discovered the malnourished child naked and unable to walk, lying amongst trash and excrement after being alerted by a neighbor. The boy's father claimed he locked the then 7-year-old in the van to protect him from being sent to a psychiatric hospital by his partner, despite no prior record of mental health issues. The boy reported difficulties with his father's partner and believed his father had no other option. The father has been detained and faces preliminary kidnapping charges, while his partner, who denies knowledge of the situation, faces charges for failing to help a minor in danger.

In Hagenbach, France, a nine-year-old boy was rescued from a van where he had allegedly been confined by his 43-year-old father since November 2024. Police discovered the malnourished and immobile child after a neighbor reported suspicious noises. The father claimed he hid the boy to protect him from his partner, who he said wanted to put the child in psychiatric care. The father has been charged with abduction, arbitrary detention, and neglect, while the boy's 37-year-old partner faces charges of failing to assist a minor in danger and not reporting the mistreatment. The boy and his two siblings have been placed in temporary care. Neighbors reported that the boy disappeared suddenly at the end of 2024.