Two men arrested over death of TikTok star, 29, found dead at remote French vineyard after meeting ‘mystery boyfriend’

TWO suspects have been arrested following the brutal murder of a TikTok influencer in France. The naked and partially burnt body of Sonia Bellina, 29, was found in a vineyard last week after she left friends to meet a “mystery boyfriend”. TikTok star Sonia Bellina, 29, was found dead in a French vineyard on August 12 Credit: soniiabelliina/ Instagram She was reported missing on August 10 and found by a farmer two days later Credit: soniiabelliina/ Instagram A farmer made the grim discovery in a remote area of Saint-Gilles on August 12, 48 hours after she was reported missing. Two men have now been detained in connection with the horror crime. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! Cécile Gensac, the Nimes public prosecutor who is leading the inquiry, said: “They were arrested due to evidence suggesting their participation in the events, whether directly or indirectly.” Both are being held at a secure police station in the city, while being interviewed by examining magistrates, supported by detectives. Neither has yet been named by the French authorities, but they are thought to be from the Nimes area. They can be held for an initial 24 hours, and this can be extended, particularly in the case of serious crimes such as murder. Gensac said: “The body was found lying between rows of vines. It was partially burned, in an apparent attempt to destroy evidence.” Members of her family later identified the corpse, with DNA testing confirming the tragedy. Most read in The Sun Sonia told friends she was on her way to meet a ‘mystery boyfriend’ Credit: soniiabelliina/ Instagram Her sister said she may have ‘run into the wrong guy’ Credit: Jam Press/@soniiabelliina Another investigating source said: “Sonia Bellina is believed to have gone to meet a mystery boyfriend on the night of her death.” Sonia was also preparing to celebrate her 30th birthday with her family when she disappeared. She had more than a quarter-of-a-million followers on TikTok, and was known for sharing details of her life across multiple social media platforms. Her sister, who asked to be referred to as Mia, recalled the events of August 10, saying: “She said she was going out one evening, and she never came back.” She also said Sonia may have “run into the wrong guy at the wrong time,” without providing further details. Mia also told Midi Libre: “I never thought something like this would happen to our family, especially since she was such a radiant, kind person whom everyone loved. “I am shocked to be living in such a cruel world. This is a terrible injustice. We don’t deserve to go through this. “We were getting ready for her birthday – she would have turned 30 on September 30th – and we had planned to throw a party.” The victim’s family also condemned a “hate campaign” on social media which followed news of Sonia’s death. Mia said: “People are going too far – it’s awful, and they’re coming out with nonsense. “It’s harassment – some are even saying she deserved what happened to her. “People are using my sister’s photos just to generate a buzz.” Mourad Battikh, the lawyer representing the Bellina family, who live in Nimes, said: “The family is going through an ordeal of extreme severity. “They condemn the publication of rumours, speculation, offensive remarks, and accusations, accompanied by images and details concerning their private lives. “My firm is already taking steps to document and preserve evidence. Depending on the specific case, each publication will trigger reports to the platforms.” Police frequently warn influencers who post details of their lives to strangers, saying they can attract unwanted attention from criminals, including stalkers. The inquiry into her death continues. Comment now