Man confesses to killing 11-year-old girl after Fortnite argument

Owen L., 23, admits to killing Louise Lasalle, 11, after a Fortnite dispute led to a fatal encounter.

A 23-year-old man, Owen L., has reportedly confessed to killing 11-year-old Louise Lasalle after an argument while playing the video game Fortnite.

Louise was found dead in a wooded area in Epinay-sur-Orge, France, on February 8, 2025, after being reported missing earlier that day. Authorities have since arrested Owen L., who allegedly admitted to the crime.

Prosecutor Gregoire Dulin stated that Owen became enraged following an online altercation with another Fortnite player, who insulted him. In a fit of anger, Owen left the game and decided to "mug or rob someone" to calm down. It was during this time that he encountered Louise, who was walking home from school near her house. Owen noticed the mobile phone Louise was carrying around her neck and followed her.

Owen allegedly convinced Louise to enter a quiet wooded area by claiming he had lost something. Once they reached a secluded spot, Owen threatened Louise with a knife and attempted to rob her. When she screamed, he panicked, pushed her to the ground, and fatally stabbed her. After the attack, Owen fled the scene, leaving Louise's mobile phone behind.

Initially, Owen denied his involvement in the crime, but after DNA evidence linked him to the victim and investigators discovered signs of a struggle, he confessed to the murder. His 24-year-old girlfriend, who is believed to have known about the crime, has been charged with failing to report it and could face up to three years in prison and a €45,000 fine.