Murder of Louise: Suspect’s Confession, Motive, and Official Reactions

The Suspect’s Confession

Owen L., a 23-year-old man, confessed to killing Louise after more than thirty hours in police custody at the Versailles judicial police headquarters. His DNA was found on the victim’s body, particularly on her hands. He told investigators that he intended to steal the schoolgirl’s mobile phone and money.

Timeline of the Crime

On Friday, February 7, Louise finished her classes around 1:00 p.m. Her phone activity ceased at 2:07 p.m. Her lifeless body was discovered at 1:50 a.m. in the Bois des Templiers, still dressed as she was when leaving school.

According to Évry public prosecutor Grégoire Dulin, the autopsy revealed “numerous wounds in vital areas,” indicating “extreme violence.” No weapon was found at the scene, but “defensive injuries” suggested that the young girl tried to resist her attacker.

An Online Dispute Leading to Tragedy

According to Owen L., a dispute over the video game Fortnite enraged him. He then left his home wearing his jacket, which usually contained an Opinel-type knife.

He encountered Louise, whom he did not know, and lured her into the Bois des Templiers under the pretext of having lost an item. Once alone, he threatened her and tried to search her belongings. When she screamed, he pushed her to the ground and stabbed her multiple times before fleeing.

Back home, his girlfriend treated his wounds, and he cleaned his clothes with bleach before discarding them, along with the murder weapon, in a trash bin. Investigators have yet to recover these items.

A Disturbing Profile

Owen L. was described by his sister as “violent, nervous, aggressive, and an intensive video game player.” She had even filed a police report against him after being assaulted in April 2023.

Living with his parents, he had never undergone psychological evaluation despite his frequent outbursts. In the past, he would leave home on foot or by car to calm himself down.

Suspect and Girlfriend Taken Into Custody

Before his arrest, Owen L. confessed the crime to his girlfriend. She, along with his parents, was placed in police custody for failing to report the crime. However, his parents, claiming they knew nothing of their son’s involvement, were later released.

Owen L. was referred for indictment on charges of murdering a minor under 15. His girlfriend faces charges for failing to report a crime. The Évry prosecutor’s office has requested that Owen L. be placed in pre-trial detention.

Official Reactions

In a statement to the press, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau expressed his support for Louise’s family and praised law enforcement for swiftly apprehending the suspect.