French prosecutors have launched a murder investigation after the naked and partially burned body of social media influencer Sonia Bellina, 29, was found in a vineyard in Saint-Gilles, near Nimes, in the south of France.
Bellina, who gained popularity on TikTok under the name Mia and amassed over a quarter million followers, was reported missing on August 10 while on holiday in the Gard department. She was preparing to celebrate her 30th birthday on September 30.
A farm worker discovered Bellina's body among rows of vines. Nimes public prosecutor Cécile Gensac confirmed the discovery and the initiation of a murder inquiry, noting that the body had been partially burned in what appeared to be an attempt to destroy evidence. No arrests have been made.
Bellina's sister, who was not named, told the Midi Libre news outlet that her sister had gone out on the evening of August 10 and never returned. She suggested that Bellina might have encountered the wrong person at the wrong time. The sister also expressed shock and grief, stating, "I never thought something like this would happen to our family, especially since she was such a radiant, kind person whom everyone loved."
The family has also condemned what they described as a "hate campaign" and harassment on social media following news of Bellina's death, with some online users making offensive remarks and speculating about the circumstances of her demise. Mourad Battikh, the lawyer representing the Bellina family, stated that the family is undergoing "an ordeal of extreme severity" and that legal steps are being taken to address the online defamation.
Law enforcement officials often warn social media users, particularly influencers who share personal details online, about the potential risks of attracting unwanted attention from criminals, including stalkers. The investigation into Sonia Bellina's death is ongoing.