Murder of Louise: Suspect Indicted and Placed in Pre-Trial Detention

A Crime of Extreme Violence

Louise, 11, was found dead on the night of February 7 to 8 in a wooded area of Épinay-sur-Orge, Essonne. She had disappeared a few hours earlier after leaving her middle school. The young girl had multiple stab wounds in vital areas. The autopsy confirmed the severity of the attack and ruled out any sexual assault.

Owen L., 23, was arrested on Monday, February 10, and placed in police custody. His DNA was found on the victim’s hands. After approximately 30 hours of interrogation, he confessed to the crime. He told investigators that he had left his home angry after an argument on the video game Fortnite, carrying a knife with the intention of robbing someone. He encountered Louise and lured her into the woods, pretending he had lost an object. When she resisted and screamed, he panicked and stabbed her multiple times before fleeing.

Indictment and Pre-Trial Detention

On the evening of Wednesday, February 12, Owen L. was brought before an investigating judge and indicted for the murder of a minor under 15. He was then placed in pre-trial detention, in accordance with the prosecution’s request.

His girlfriend was also indicted for failure to report a crime and placed under judicial supervision. According to a source close to the case, she told investigators that Owen L. had confided in her, admitting to stabbing someone. The suspect’s parents, who had been taken into custody for the same reason, claimed they had no knowledge of his involvement in the murder. Their police custody was lifted on the afternoon of February 12.

The investigation is ongoing to clarify the exact circumstances of the crime and determine any additional responsibilities.