Two detained after French influencer’s scorched body found in vineyard

Two men have been arrested in connection with the discovery of a burned body in a vineyard in southern France. The victim, identified as 29-year-old social media influencer Sonia Bellina, had a significant following on TikTok, numbering around 260,000. Bellina was visiting her family in the area just a month before her 30th birthday.

The prosecutor's office in Nîmes confirmed the identity of the victim through DNA analysis and various investigations. Police received a tip on August 12th that a body had been found lying between rows of vines in a village near Nîmes. Initially, the body was believed to be that of a young woman, but further tests confirmed the identity as Bellina.

The prosecutor's office stated that evidence suggested the involvement of two men in the incident, leading to their arrest on August 15th. Family lawyer Mourad Battikh expressed his family's grief and frustration over the incident, describing it as "a murder of rare savagery" and stating that the victim's body was "abandoned" in an inhumane manner. The family lawyer emphasized that any published material would be subject to scrutiny and reported if necessary, requesting respect for their privacy and grief.

The family's lawyer also addressed the harmful comments circulating online, stating that they would not be tolerated and would face consequences. The case has sparked online speculation and rumors, with some people publicly expressing their belief that Bellina "deserved" what happened to her. The family's lawyer reiterated that the family was going through an "extremely violent ordeal" and requested their privacy and grief be respected.