Murder of Sonia Bellina: two suspects in custody near Nîmes
The body of influencer Sonia Bellina, 29, was identified on 19 August near Nîmes. Two men in their thirties are being held in custody.
Body of Sonia Bellina identified, two men arrested near Nîmes
Google News FR — Crime (fr) reports that the body of Sonia Bellina, a 29-year-old influencer followed by 260,000 subscribers on social media, was officially identified on Wednesday 19 August, a week after its discovery in a vineyard about twenty kilometres from Nîmes.
The body, partially nude and burnt, was found on 12 August 2026 among burnt vine leaves. "DNA testing makes it possible to confirm today that the identity of the person discovered deceased and partially burnt on Wednesday 12 August 2026 is indeed that of influencer Sonia Bellina," states the Public Prosecutor of the Republic of Nîmes in a press statement.
Two suspects held in custody
Two men in their thirties have been placed in custody due to elements suggesting their participation in the facts. One of them is already known for acts of violence and carrying weapons. He is suspected of having been the last contact of the influencer on the night of the crime.
This murder could constitute the 86th femicide of the year 2026 in France.
Family faced with cyber-harassment
Parallel to the investigation, the family of Sonia Bellina denounces a wave of derogatory comments posted online following the tragedy. The family's lawyer, Maître Mourad Battikh, announces legal proceedings against the authors of these messages.
"A far-right account spoke of Sonia by describing her as a 'dairy bust'. This is how Sonia's memory is reduced today. This is why I am very firm on the distribution of images. Those who engage in online harassment, well, I will see, I will be very careful that they too can be brought before courts of law," declares Maître Battikh.
The young woman regularly published videos on social media, where she had gathered a community of 260,000 subscribers.
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)