Sonia Bellina murder: suspect charged with murder, he was wearing an anti-collision bracelet

A 32-year-old man has been placed under formal investigation for murder after being suspected of killing Sonia Bellina, a 29-year-old influencer whose charred body was found on August 12 in vineyards near Saint-Gilles in the Gard department. The suspect, who had previously been convicted of domestic violence against his former partner, was last seen with the victim during a paid encounter. On August 21, prosecutors in Nîmes announced the man’s placement in custody for murder charges, citing evidence linking him to her death. The suspect, known to authorities since 2010 for violent behavior linked to drug trafficking, resides in the Gard region and has been under supervision by the penitentiary insertion and probation service since December 2024. He was already serving a mixed sentence, prison followed by probation, for domestic violence offenses committed in the north of France. At the time of the incident, he wore an anti-approach bracelet intended to protect his ex-partner, who lives over 800 kilometers away. His legal status at the time of the crime was that of a repeat offender, having been previously sentenced for drug-related crimes. During interrogations, the suspect admitted to having a relationship with the victim both the night before and the night of the incident, though he refused to provide further details and invoked his right to remain silent. Prosecutors stated that while there were indications he was her last contact prior to the attack, no other relationship beyond a paid arrangement could be established. The other individual detained in connection with the case was released the previous day after several hours of questioning, as no conclusive evidence of involvement was found. Autopsy results have yet to determine the exact cause of death, with additional scientific tests still pending. The ongoing investigation will be handled by the judicial investigator, who will assess the circumstances, assign responsibility, and reconstruct the sequence of events. The case remains open, with further developments anticipated as more information becomes available. Sonia Bellina, an aesthetician and content creator, gained over 250,000 followers on TikTok and nearly 15,000 on Instagram through a six-year career focused on lifestyle content. Her videos included song covers, live interactions with fans, and brief clips on fashion and romantic struggles. Her growing popularity appears to have attracted unwanted attention, with some online users expressing persistent demands for private responses. After her disappearance, comments sections have shifted from condolences to increasingly hostile messages, despite calls for restraint from her family and friends. Her brother-in-law, Mourad Battikh, representing the family, condemned the spread of rumors, speculation, and offensive remarks, including images violating privacy. A sister of the victim expressed similar concerns in a local newspaper, stating that people were going too far and that some even suggested she deserved what happened. Family members describe Sonia as “sunny, kind, loved by many,” according to one sibling. The emotional toll of the case continues to affect those close to her, as they navigate the aftermath of her tragic death.