A SCHOOLGIRL was brutally stabbed to death by a video game player who was reportedly “frustrated” after losing a game of Fortnite. The tragic incident took place on February 7 in Épinay-Sur-Orge, Paris, where 11-year-old Louise Lasalle was lured into the woods and murdered by 23-year-old gaming fanatic Owen L. Her body was discovered the next day.
Louise, who had been missing for a day before the discovery of her body, was found just a few hundred meters from her school. CCTV footage captured Owen L wearing a black puffer jacket, following the young girl before leading her into a secluded area.
According to prosecutor Gregoire Dulin, Owen L had a history of throwing tantrums when losing video games. On the day of the crime, he had an argument with another gamer while playing Fortnite, a popular battle royale game. Enraged by his defeat, he insulted another player and stormed out of his home. His girlfriend, Laurianne B, later informed the police that he frequently exhibited violent fits of rage while playing Fortnite and other shooter games.
Prosecutor Dulin stated that Owen L “wanted to steal something or blackmail someone in order to calm down” after his outburst. As he wandered the streets in his agitated state, he encountered Louise, who was carrying a lanyard with her phone attached. He decided to follow her, ultimately persuading her to enter a nearby woodland under the false pretense that he had lost something and needed help finding it.
Once inside the woods, Owen L brandished a knife and demanded to search Louise’s belongings for money. The terrified girl screamed, prompting the assailant to panic. In a desperate attempt to silence her, he pushed her to the ground and repeatedly stabbed her.
Louise’s family was quick to react when she failed to return home. Her sister, Mariane Lassalle, posted a desperate plea on social media, urging people to help locate the missing schoolgirl. Her post read: “My little sister Louise Lassalle disappeared at 2pm near Andre Maurois College in Epinay. She went through the Bas Follet trail. She had a purple backpack with a butterfly on it and a navy blue coat. She [had] a large white bandage on her chin too.”
Her worried mother used a geolocation app to track her phone but found that it had been switched off at 2:07 pm. Two hours later, Louise’s parents alerted the police. A search ensued, culminating in the heartbreaking discovery of her body in the wooded area close to her school on February 8.
Investigators determined that Louise had been stabbed more than ten times, particularly in the neck and torso. The murder weapon, believed to be a knife, was never recovered.
Owen L initially denied any involvement in the murder. However, forensic analysis revealed that his DNA was present on Louise’s body, forcing him to confess. Additionally, CCTV footage showed him following the young girl, providing further evidence against him.
A police source disclosed that Owen L was unemployed and lived with his affluent parents—his father, a senior bank executive, and his mother, an HR manager. Despite his privileged background, he had a record of petty crime and had previously been reported to the police by his sister for domestic violence.
Further investigations revealed that Owen L had attempted to lure another young girl into the woods before, but she had refused to follow him. This disturbing revelation has intensified concerns over child safety in France, particularly in light of growing violent crime rates.
The gruesome murder of Louise has sparked national outrage, prompting French authorities to reconsider the enforcement of stricter penalties for violent offenders. The country’s Interior Minister has pledged to introduce tougher laws to ensure that such heinous crimes do not go unpunished.
Owen L now faces life imprisonment if convicted of murder. His girlfriend, Laurianne B, has been charged with failing to report a crime. If found guilty, she could face up to three years in prison and a hefty fine of £37,000.
Louise’s tragic death has left her community in mourning. A former student of the same school, identified as Camille, told local media, “It could have happened to any of us.” Parents across France are now questioning whether their children are safe in public spaces, leading to renewed discussions on security measures.
Fortnite, the video game at the center of this horrifying crime, is one of the most popular battle royale games in the world. Known for its cartoon-style graphics and fast-paced action, the game attracts millions of players globally. However, incidents like these have raised concerns about the impact of violent video games on young and impressionable minds.
As the trial of Owen L looms, the grieving Lasalle family continues to seek justice for their beloved daughter. The case serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers lurking within society, emphasizing the need for vigilance, mental health awareness, and stricter law enforcement measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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