French social media influencer Sonia Bellina has become the focus of a shocking murder investigation after her partially burned body was discovered in a vineyard in southern France. Authorities have arrested two men in connection with the case, though one has since been released while the investigation continues.

According to French authorities, a farm worker discovered the body of a young woman lying between rows of vines in a vineyard near Saint-Gilles, close to the city of Nîmes, on August 12, 2026. The remains were reportedly partially burned, prompting investigators to immediately launch a homicide inquiry.

For several days, investigators worked to identify the victim. DNA testing later confirmed that the remains belonged to Sonia Bellina, a 29-year-old influencer and TikTok creator known for her lip-sync and lifestyle content.

Sonia Bellina had amassed approximately 260,000 followers on TikTok and maintained a significant online presence.

Her family reported her missing after she allegedly left home on the evening of August 10 and failed to return. During a TikTok livestream cited by French media, a woman identifying herself as Bellina's sister said that the influencer had gone out one evening but never came back.

Before DNA confirmation, family members reportedly suspected that the body found in the vineyard belonged to Sonia Bellina because of identifying features, including breast implants and a ring recovered with the remains.

Two Men Arrested

The Nîmes Public Prosecutor's Office announced on August 19 that investigators had arrested two men based on evidence suggesting possible direct or indirect involvement in Bellina's death. Both were initially placed in police custody as detectives pursued leads in the case.

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However, prosecutors later stated that one of the suspects was released after authorities were unable to establish sufficient evidence linking him to the crime. The second individual remained in custody after prosecutors obtained an extension to continue questioning and investigative procedures.

Officials have not publicly identified the suspects, nor have they released details regarding a possible motive.

French authorities have classified the case as a murder investigation and continue to examine the circumstances surrounding her final hours. An autopsy was conducted shortly after the discovery of the body, though prosecutors have not yet publicly released the findings or confirmed the precise cause of death.

Reports indicate investigators are examining several leads, including Bellina's movements before her disappearance and the people she may have met on the night she vanished. Some media reports suggest detectives are looking into a planned meeting before her disappearance, although officials have not confirmed specific details publicly.

The tragedy has left her family devastated. Relatives had reportedly been preparing to celebrate her 30th birthday next month before learning of her death. Family representatives have also condemned online harassment and insensitive comments that surfaced following the discovery of her body.

As investigators continue gathering evidence, authorities say additional information may be released as the case progresses. For now, the death of Sonia Bellina remains one of France's most high-profile criminal investigations, with many questions still unanswered.