New homeowners find skeleton in attic 15 years after previous occupant disappeared
The community of Erstroff, France is indicated by the pin in this map (Google Maps)
Homeowners in France have discovered a skeleton in the attic of an outbuilding while undertaking renovation work.
The body is thought to belong to the former occupant of the property, which is located in Erstroff in eastern France, who disappeared in 2009, according to a statement from the local prosecutor’s office published Monday.
It appears that the man took his own life, as a rope was found attached to a beam near the body, which was found on Saturday in an outbuilding adjoining the main house.
The remains were found in a small room immediately under the roof accessible only by a trapdoor that was “almost invisible,” according to the statement.
The discovery is thought to be linked to the former owner, a man born in 1927, who disappeared in 2009.
No trace of him was found despite a police investigation, which was eventually closed in 2016. In December 2021, he was declared legally dead by a local court, the statement added.
The remains have now been sent to the Strasbourg Institute of Forensic Medicine, which will undertake an autopsy and confirm the identity of the dead person using DNA from surviving family members.
CNN’s Caroline Baum contributed to this report.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'We are in for more terrorism, not less,' warns Canadian terror expert amid Syria's political chaos
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime means the ticking time bomb of prisons holding thousands of suspected ISIS members in northeast Syria has become even more unstable, a Canadian terrorism expert warns.
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
Banks tell 2 Ontarians too much time has passed to cash decades-old cheque, GIC
Two Ontarians who recently found unclaimed money from decades-old investments were told by their banks there were no records of them in their systems.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford threatens to cut off energy to U.S. in response to Trump's tariffs
Ontario Premier Doug Ford has threatened to cut off energy supply to the U.S. in response to the tariffs President-elect Donald Trump plans to impose on all Canadian imports.
Missing 'lost Canadians' deadline creates 'unknowable' number of new citizens: feds
The federal government is asking an Ontario Superior Court for more time to pass citizenship legislation for the "lost Canadians," saying that without an extension an "unknowable" number of people would automatically become citizens next week.
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
More than 60,000 customers without power in the Maritimes due to wet, windy storm
Tens of thousands of customers in the Maritimes woke up to no power Thursday morning and several schools are closed as a wet and windy storm makes its way through the region.
Air Canada to offer free Wi-Fi on flights for Aeroplan members, sponsored by Bell
Air Canada plans to offer free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members aboard its flights starting next year, building on a partnership with telecom giant Bell that already gives passengers free text messaging capabilities.
Recall: 'Piece of metal' found in healthy granola bars
Healthy snack food company MadeGood is recalling a number of granola bars sold in Ontario and across Canada due to a potential hazard.
Canada
-
More than 60,000 customers without power in the Maritimes due to wet, windy storm
Tens of thousands of customers in the Maritimes woke up to no power Thursday morning and several schools are closed as a wet and windy storm makes its way through the region.
-
Police locate labyrinth of tunnels connecting tents to generator in Hamilton encampment
Hamilton police say that they discovered a series of 'man-made holes and tunnels' during a patrol of a downtown encampment earlier this week.
-
Police identify murder victim whose skull was found in Ontario river more than three decades ago
Police have identified a man whose skull was found almost 40 years ago in a Peterborough-area river.
-
Alberta family doctor suspended for unprofessional conduct
An Alberta family doctor and veterinarian has been suspended for unprofessional conduct.
-
'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle
A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father.
-
Banks tell 2 Ontarians too much time has passed to cash decades-old cheque, GIC
Two Ontarians who recently found unclaimed money from decades-old investments were told by their banks there were no records of them in their systems.
World
-
'We are in for more terrorism, not less,' warns Canadian terror expert amid Syria's political chaos
The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime means the ticking time bomb of prisons holding thousands of suspected ISIS members in northeast Syria has become even more unstable, a Canadian terrorism expert warns.
-
Trump will be honoured as Time's Person of the Year and ring the New York Stock Exchange bell
The honours for the businessman-turned-politician represent the latest chapter in his love-hate relationship with New York.
-
South Korea's Yoon defends martial law as an act of governance and vows to 'fight to the end'
South Korea's president defended his martial law decree as an act of governance and denied rebellion charges Thursday, rejecting the opposition-led impeachment attempts against him and investigations into last week's move.
-
UN General Assembly demands ceasefire in Gaza and backs UN agency helping Palestinian refugees
The UN General Assembly overwhelmingly approved resolutions for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and backed the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.
-
American who says he crossed into Syria by foot is free after 7 months in detention
An American who turned up in Syria on Thursday says he was detained after crossing into the country by foot on a Christian pilgrimage seven months ago.
-
Biden commutes roughly 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people in biggest single-day act of clemency
U.S. President Joe Biden is commuting the sentences of roughly 1,500 people who were released from prison and placed on home confinement during the coronavirus pandemic and is pardoning 39 Americans convicted of nonviolent crimes. It's the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history.
Politics
-
Elon Musk calls Justin Trudeau 'insufferable tool' in new social media post
Billionaire Elon Musk is calling Prime Minister Justin Trudeau 'an insufferable tool' in a new social media post on Wednesday. 'Won't be in power for much longer,' Musk also wrote about the prime minister on 'X.'
-
Trudeau will have to 'kiss the ring' to achieve smoother bilateral relations with Trump: John Bolton
If Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wants to get on U.S. president-elect Donald Trump's good side for the sake of a smooth bilateral relationship, he'll likely have to be openly deferential, says former U.S. National Security Advisor, John Bolton.
-
Missing 'lost Canadians' deadline creates 'unknowable' number of new citizens: feds
The federal government is asking an Ontario Superior Court for more time to pass citizenship legislation for the "lost Canadians," saying that without an extension an "unknowable" number of people would automatically become citizens next week.
Health
-
MAID cases rose to 15,000 in 2023, but growth of cases halved
More than 15,000 people received medical assistance in dying in Canada in 2023, but federal statistics show the growth in cases has slowed significantly.
-
Placenta tissue saved this man's leg from amputation. How can more people benefit?
Now that there's well-established protocols for tissue banks, health providers say the membrane's regenerative properties are a game-changer for severe wounds and burns.
-
Certain foods may disrupt your body's fight against cancer cells, study says
The food you eat may be affecting your body’s ability to fight cancer cells in the colon, according to a new study.
Sci-Tech
-
An autistic teen's parents say Character.AI said it was OK to kill them. They're suing to take down the app
Two families have sued artificial intelligence chatbot company Character.AI, accusing it of providing sexual content to their children and encouraging self-harm and violence. The lawsuit asks a court to shut down the platform until its alleged dangers can be fixed.
-
TikTok files legal challenge of federal government's shutdown order
TikTok is challenging the federal government’s order to shut down its operations in Canada, saying it will eliminate hundreds of jobs and potentially terminate a quarter of a million contracts that it has with Canadian advertising clients.
-
Apple Intelligence suite of AI tools arrives in Canada
Apple has brought its suite of artificial intelligence-based tools to Canada.
Entertainment
-
Selena Gomez is engaged to record producer Benny Blanco
Pop star and 'Only Murders in the Building' actress Selena Gomez is engaged to record producer and songwriter Benny Blanco.
-
'The Golden Bachelor' star Gerry Turner says he has bone marrow cancer
Gerry Turner, star of the inaugural season of ABC’s senior dating show 'The Golden Bachelor,' says he has been diagnosed with cancer.
-
George Kresge Jr., who wowed talk show audiences as the The Amazing Kreskin, dies at age 89
George Joseph Kresge Jr., who was known to generations of TV watchers as the mesmerizing entertainer and mentalist The Amazing Kreskin, has died at age 89.
Business
-
Creditors expected to vote on proposed $32.5B deal with tobacco giants today
Creditors are expected to vote today on a proposed settlement that would see three major tobacco manufacturers pay out billions to provinces and territories, as well as smokers across Canada.
-
The Body Shop Canada to be sold to Serruya Private Equity
The Body Shop Canada is due to be sold to a company led by the co-founder of frozen yogurt chain Yogen Früz.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
Lifestyle
-
Turning dusty attic treasures into cash can yield millions for some and disappointment for others
Many people dream of cashing in on some dusty, old heirloom.
-
'Satisfying victory': Toronto man wins world Excel spreadsheet championships in Vegas
A Toronto man who excelled to secure the title of a global spreadsheet champion last week calls his unusual achievement a 'satisfying victory.'
-
Air Canada to offer free Wi-Fi on flights for Aeroplan members, sponsored by Bell
Air Canada plans to offer free Wi-Fi to Aeroplan members aboard its flights starting next year, building on a partnership with telecom giant Bell that already gives passengers free text messaging capabilities.
Sports
-
Man City crisis deepens with loss to Juventus in Champions League as Barcelona and Arsenal win
Manchester City plunged deeper into trouble in the Champions League by losing 2-0 at Juventus, as manager Pep Guardiola battles injuries and loss of belief.
-
The Paris Olympics organizers say the event was far less polluting than recent Games
The Paris Olympics says it was far less polluting than recent Games but is not claiming to have been 'carbon neutral' despite existing funding projects.
-
Champion figure skater Stellato-Dudek becomes Canadian citizen, eligible for Olympics
World champion figure skater Deanna Stellato-Dudek has gained Canadian citizenship. She took the oath of citizenship Wednesday in Montreal, making her eligible to represent Canada at the Olympic Games.
Autos
-
'Baseball-sized hail': Toronto man owes car rental company $18K after hailstorm
A Toronto man is on the hook for about $18,000 after a car he rented over the summer was pelted by baseball-sized hail.
-
GM is pulling the plug on its robotaxi efforts
General Motors is pulling the plug on its efforts to develop a fleet of driverless taxis and will focus on driver-assistance features that require a driver to be ready to take control of the car, the company said Tuesday.
-
80-year-old driver with expired licence accused of going nearly double the speed limit in eastern Ontario
Ontario Provincial Police say a man caught stunt driving on Highway 37 near Tweed, Ont. Thursday was 80 years old, and his licence was expired.
Local Spotlight
North Pole post: N.S. firefighters collect letters to Santa, return them by hand during postal strike
Fire departments across Nova Scotia are doing their part to ensure children’s letters to Santa make their way to the North Pole while Canada Post workers are on strike.
'Creatively incredible': Regina raised talent featured in 'Wicked' film
A professional dancer from Saskatchewan was featured in the movie adaptation of Wicked, which has seen significant success at the box office.
Montreal man retiring early after winning half of the $80 million Lotto-Max jackpot
Factor worker Jean Lamontagne, 63, will retire earlier than planned after he won $40 million on Dec. 3 in the Lotto-Max draw.
Man, 99, still at work 7 decades after opening eastern Ontario Christmas tree farm
This weekend is one of the busiest of the year for Christmas tree farms all over the region as the holidays approach and people start looking for a fresh smell of pine in their homes.
Saskatoon honours Bella Brave with birthday celebration
It has been five months since Bella Thompson, widely known as Bella Brave to her millions of TikTok followers, passed away after a long battle with Hirschsprung’s disease and an auto-immune disorder.
Major Manitoba fossil milestones highlight the potential for future discoveries in the province
A trio of fossil finds through the years helped put Manitoba on the mosasaur map, and the milestone of those finds have all been marked in 2024.
The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon raises more than $559,000 for children in need
The 61st annual Christmas Daddies Telethon continued its proud Maritime tradition, raising more than $559,000 for children in need on Saturday.
Calgary company steps up to help grieving family with free furnace after fatal carbon monoxide poisoning
A Calgary furnace company stepped up big time Friday to help a Calgary family grieving the loss of a loved one.
'A well-loved piece': Historic carousel display from Hudson’s Bay Company store lands at Winnipeg shop
When a carousel setup from the Hudson’s Bay Company became available during an auction, a Winnipeg business owner had to have it.
Vancouver
-
Vancouver's 'bitcoin friendly city' plan likely to hit provincial roadblocks
Vancouver city council passed a motion Wednesday to make the city “bitcoin friendly,” but it’s likely to meet provincial roadblocks.
-
'He's building community': Video of joyful Surrey school crossing guard goes viral
A video showcasing a well-liked Surrey school crossing guard has been viewed tens of thousands of times on social media.
-
What's with all the lane closures in Vancouver? Officials say city in 'renewal' period
Getting stuck in traffic has become a daily routine for many Vancouverites and commuters.
Toronto
-
Banks tell 2 Ontarians too much time has passed to cash decades-old cheque, GIC
Two Ontarians who recently found unclaimed money from decades-old investments were told by their banks there were no records of them in their systems.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
-
Transport truck collision in Brampton sends 1 person to hospital
One person was taken to a trauma centre after a transport truck crashed into a ditch in Brampton overnight.
Calgary
-
Development application submitted for Calgary's Scotia Place
Calgary's new arena will face its final administrative hurdle at city hall on Thursday.
-
'Scared and confused': 9-year-old Calgary girl recalls terrifying experience being stuck in stolen vehicle
A Calgary girl who was sitting in her dad's vehicle when it was stolen on Monday night is speaking out about the horrifying experience, along with her father.
-
Woman found badly injured along Nose Creek Pathway dies in hospital
A woman who was on life support after she was found badly injured in Calgary's northeast has died.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING Here's what will cost more in the 2025 City of Ottawa budget
Ottawa residents will be paying more to board the O-Train and buses, have the garbage picked up, turn on the taps, park on city streets and use recreation facilities in 2025. CTV News Ottawa looks at things that will cost more in Ottawa next year.
-
Teenager seriously injured in west-end stabbing
Ottawa paramedics say a teenager suffered serious injuries after a stabbing in Ottawa's west end on Wednesday evening.
-
Tips for travellers flying through the Ottawa International Airport this holiday season
Travellers planning to fly through the Ottawa International Airport over the Christmas and New Year's season are being advised to give themselves extra time to make their flights, ensure their travel documents are up to date and leave your gifts unwrapped until after clearing security.
Montreal
-
Montreal restaurant forced to close after driver crashes into building
With the holidays fast approaching, one Montreal restaurant was forced to close its doors after a driver crashed into it on the weekend.
-
Montreal Canadiens' Gallagher, wife expecting baby
A tiny Timbit is on their way for Montreal Canadiens alternate captain and right winger Brendan Gallagher and his wife, Emma Fortin.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador announcing energy deal, ending decades of strife
The premiers of Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador are set to announce a resolution to an energy issue that has driven a wedge between the provinces for decades.
Edmonton
-
Accused in killing of apartment security guard have extensive criminal histories
A man and a woman charged in the killing of a security guard in Edmonton will spend Christmas and New Year's behind bars.
-
School bus driver ticketed after Jasper Avenue crash
A school bus driver was ticketed after a crash in downtown Edmonton on Wednesday.
-
Struggling in your search for a sandbox in Edmonton? You're not alone
Some Edmontonians are finding the recent weather difficult to navigate without the help of city-supplied traction materials.
Atlantic
-
More than 60,000 customers without power in the Maritimes due to wet, windy storm
Tens of thousands of customers in the Maritimes woke up to no power Thursday morning and several schools are closed as a wet and windy storm makes its way through the region.
-
Storm Watch: School closures, cancellations
Here is a list of school closures and cancellations for Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
Winnipeg
-
Winnipeggers face 5.95 per cent property tax increase in budget
Winnipeggers will be paying more property taxes than expected next year.
-
Extreme cold to 'linger' in southern Manitoba: ECCC
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) is warning Manitobans that the extreme cold will likely “linger” until Thursday night into Friday morning.
-
Freezing weather prompts school bus cancellations in Manitoba
As southern Manitoba experiences freezing cold temperatures on Thursday, some school divisions have opted to cancel school buses.
Regina
-
'A reasonable compromise': Council forgives Riders of over $1 million in unpaid rent
Regina City Council forgave the Saskatchewan Roughriders of more than $1 million in unpaid rent payments at their meeting Wednesday.
-
Extreme cold warnings issued for Regina, Saskatoon and much of eastern Sask.
Extreme cold warnings are now in effect as Saskatchewan enters a cold snap, which is expected to last until the end of the week.
-
Sask. hockey coach convicted of historic sex crime back on day parole after 'behavioural concerns'
A former WHL coach found guilty last year of sexually assaulting a teen boy is back on day parole.
Kitchener
-
Storm Watch: Tracking today's closures and cancellations
Storm Watch is your destination for information about school closures, bus cancellations and road closures in Waterloo region, Guelph, Brantford and the surrounding area.
-
Settlement reached in complaint over Canada Post layoffs as strike hits four weeks
The union representing Canada Post workers says an unfair labour practice complaint over the company's layoffs has been resolved.
-
140-pound dog strolls solo into Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont.
A furry, four-legged shopper was spotted in the aisles of a Giant Tiger store in Stratford, Ont. on Sunday morning.
Saskatoon
-
Cold weather in Saskatchewan spurs furnace breakdowns, carbon monoxide concerns
The return of bitterly cold temperatures has first responders and HVAC technicians on stand-by, ready to respond to emergencies.
-
'Whatever anybody can donate': Sask. man uses school bus to help people stay warm
A Saskatchewan man who turned a school bus into a warmup shelter says his nonprofit desperately needs donations.
-
University of Saskatchewan's historic building slated for demolition
There is a building on the University of Saskatchewan campus that has been an eyesore for a few years, and now the historic building is slated for demolition. However, historians want campus officials to rethink the plan to get rid of it.
Northern Ontario
-
Sudbury police make big drug bust at apartment connected to assault suspect
As Sudbury police continue to investigate Tuesday's assault on Elm Street, a search of the apartment where some of the suspects were found uncovered $135,000 in drugs.
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Sudbury family celebrates liberation of their home country of Syria
A Syrian family living in Sudbury, Ont., is celebrating a significant political shift in their home country after rebels took over the government.
London
-
Road closures with deteriorating conditions
Police across the region are warning drivers of deteriorating road conditions and poor visibility as snow squalls move through the region.
-
Blizzards and snowsqualls to roll through the region today
Blizzard and snow squall warnings have rolled across much of southern Ontario – with up to 15 centimeters expected today, and blowing snow reducing visibility on roadways.
-
Accused in bush bash shooting testifies claiming he feared for his life
Testifying in his own defence, Carlos Guerra Guerra said he showed up to the bush party for young people in a field off of Pack Road in southwest London in July of 2021 after his friend Emily Altmann called him for help.
Barrie
-
Incoming squalls could total 80cm as buses cancelled around the region
Snow squall warning has forced the cancellation of school buses across central Ontario.
-
Blizzard and snow squall warnings issued with hazardous travel expected
Prepare for some wicked weather expected to hit the region on Wednesday, with heavy snowfall up to 80 centimetres possible and gusty winds creating dicey travel conditions.
-
Barrie council passes city's portion of 2025 budget
Barrie city council approved a 2 per cent increase to infrastructure spending.
Windsor
-
Kingsville man dies after crash on Manning Road
Essex County OPP say Manning Road is closed after a crash involving a dump truck.
-
Ont. woman whose father died in impaired driving collision warns others not to make same mistake
An Ontario woman whose father died in an impaired driving collision when she was a baby is urging people to think twice before getting behind the wheel while impaired, saying the decision can affect multiple generations.
-
All-girls soccer league kicking off in Essex County
For the first time in Essex County, girls will have a soccer league to call their own
Vancouver Island
-
Distress call leads to discovery of camper's body on Vancouver Island
Mounties say a 42-year-old man who was camping on Vancouver Island has been found dead after rescuers were alerted to a distress signal from his satellite communication device.
-
Bank of Canada interest rate drop good news for mortgage holders
A major cut to the Bank of Canada’s key interest comes as welcome news to realtors and those holding variable rate mortgages – but it also signals a growing sense of uncertainty about the broader Canadian economy.
-
No Santa, no Rudolph: B.C. mother questions lyric changes for son's school concert
A Saanich, B.C., mom is questioning why her son came home from school with the words “Santa,” “Rudolph” and “Christmas” crossed out on a lyric sheet for his winter concert.
Kelowna
-
Study of 2023 Okanagan wildfires recommends limiting development in high-risk areas
A study into the devastating wildfires that struck British Columbia's Okanagan region in 2023 has recommended that government and industry limit development in high-fire-risk areas.
-
Kelowna, B.C., to host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026
The Western Hockey League's Kelowna Rockets will host the Memorial Cup in the spring of 2026, the Canadian Hockey League said Wednesday.
-
545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down
Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day.
Lethbridge
-
Lethbridge post-secondary schools trying to help students manage exam stress
Southern Alberta students are busy cramming for the final stretch of the exam season --and with all that extra work comes stress.
-
LDE will continue to operate Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre, property tax increase deferred
The Lethbridge and District Exhibition (LDE) will continue to operate the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre for at least for the next two years.
-
Advance voting begins for Lethbridge-West byelection
Plenty of voters were at the University Drive Alliance Church in Lethbridge on Tuesday to take advantage of advance voting for the Lethbridge-West byelection.
Sault Ste. Marie
-
Ontario man charged with sex trafficking underage girls from Sudbury, Kingston
Two young girls, from Sudbury and Kingston, Ont., were rescued from sex trafficking in the GTA and their suspected abuser has been charged, but police fear there may be more victims.
-
Doctor shortage crisis turning into a catastrophe in the north: OMA
Northern Ontario doctors are calling on the province to immediately address an acute doctor shortage in northern Ontario.
-
SPONSORED
SPONSORED Is your credit card’s travel insurance enough?
When you’re planning a trip, you always want to ensure you have coverage for any unexpected events, whether that’s a medical emergency, needing to cancel a trip at the last-minute (or during the trip!), or even for lost baggage. Many credit cards offer travel insurance as a perk, but do they provide you with enough coverage?
N.L.
-
Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador expected to sign Churchill Falls energy deal
Quebec Premier François Legault and Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey are scheduled to announce an energy agreement Thursday that could end decades of friction between the two provinces.
-
Newfoundland towns light up harbours to honour fishers and pray for their safety
On a twinkling wharf in a small Newfoundland town, a crowd of about 100 people stopped singing and chatting on Friday night to bow their heads in a moment of silence for local fish harvesters.
-
North anxious over dwindling necessities, no Christmas gifts, due to postal strike
Communities in Northern Canada say the postal strike is starting to choke off the supply and children in remote regions may not receive Christmas gifts this year.
