A 32-year-old man with a lengthy criminal record has been formally charged with the assassination of Sonia Bellina, a popular French TikTok influencer whose partially burned body was discovered in a vineyard over a week ago, the Nîmes prosecutor’s office announced Friday.
The 29-year-old victim, known for her videos on the social media platform where she had amassed more than 250,000 followers, was found on August 12 in Saint-Gilles, a small village roughly twenty kilometers from Nîmes in the Gard department. Authorities described her body as “partially carbonized.”
Suspect Has “Heavy Judicial Past”
The accused, who has not been publicly named, has a “heavy judicial past” according to a statement from prosecutor Cécile Gensac. He has prior convictions for domestic violence and drug trafficking offenses. The suspect resides in the Gard region and has been under the supervision of the prison integration and probation service since December 2024, following his relocation to the area.
Despite the charges, the man has denied killing Bellina. He admitted to “having had a relationship with the victim the night of the events and the day before,” but “refused to provide further explanations during subsequent custody hearings, invoking his right to silence,” the prosecutor’s statement detailed.
Last Known Contact Through Escort Arrangement
Investigators believe the suspect may have been Bellina’s last contact, arranged through an escort-girl appointment the night of her death. “Nothing established any relationship between them other than a paid one,” the prosecutor’s office noted.
The suspect has been known to the justice system since 2010 for violent behavior consistently linked to narcotics. In December 2023, he was convicted by the Lille court for domestic violence and was wearing an anti-approach bracelet designed to protect his ex-partner, who lives 800 kilometers away. The device was intended to prevent him from approaching her residence.
Ongoing Investigation
The case has drawn significant attention in France, where Bellina’s social media presence had cultivated a substantial following. Her death highlights ongoing concerns about violence against women and the risks faced by those engaged in sex work, even when conducted through digital platforms.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder, with forensic analysis of the crime scene and the victim’s digital communications expected to play a crucial role in the proceedings. The suspect remains in custody as the judicial investigation progresses.
The Nîmes prosecutor’s office has indicated that additional details may be released as the investigation develops, though they emphasized the sensitivity of the case and the need to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
