A man in France has confessed to murdering an 11-year-old girl, claiming he was furious after losing a game of Fortnite, according to French Media.
The suspect, identified as 23-year-old unemployed Owen L., told police he was playing the video game when he got into an argument with another player who insulted him. Enraged, he left his home in Epinay-sur-Orge, Essonne, on February 7 to walk off his anger. But what followed was a horrific crime.
Prosecutor Grégoire Dulin said Owen initially planned to “rob or extort money from someone to calm down” but instead “accidentally” crossed paths with 11-year-old Louise Lasalle, who was on her way home from school. The suspect noticed her mobile phone, which she wore on a cord around her neck, and decided to follow her.
He reportedly tricked Louise into following him into the woods by pretending he had lost something. Once they were alone, he threatened her with a knife, demanding money. When she screamed, he panicked, pushed her to the ground, and stabbed her. Her phone was found beside her body, and there was no sign of sexual assault.
Police discovered Louise’s body on February 8, 12 hours after her parents reported her missing. Investigators later found male DNA on her hands.
The suspect had also tried to lure another girl into the woods that day, but she refused, French media reported.
Owen L. later told his girlfriend that he had “done something serious.” He allegedly disposed of the murder weapon, bleached his clothes, and threw them away. His 24-year-old girlfriend has now been charged with failing to report a crime.
The suspect, who lived with his parents, had a criminal record for petty offences. His older sister had also reported him to police in April 2023 for being violent and aggressive.
Owen L. is now in police custody, facing charges for the brutal killing.