Ghost hunting gone wrong: French tourist found dead in abandoned church

Police search for clues in connection to French tourist's murder

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Web Desk
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Police believe the womans death may be related to a ghost-hunting competition being played in France on the social media platform TikTok. — ANSA
Police believe the woman's death may be related to a ghost-hunting competition being played in France on the social media platform TikTok. — ANSA

A 22-year-old French woman, reportedly looking for ghosts as part of a TikTok trend, was found dead in an abandoned church located in the Aosta Valley.

According to police in La Salle, Italy, the victim, whose name has not been released, had informed her family about her plans to visit a haunted location. Investigators believe she might have been participating in a ghost-hunting challenge gaining popularity on TikTok.

Authorities are currently exploring several theories surrounding the woman's death. One possibility is that she was attempting a social media stunt that went wrong.

Another theory suggests the possibility of a "consented murder" or even a ritualistic sacrifice. Police are also investigating whether the crime was linked to two other missing persons cases in the area.

Adding to the mystery, a witness reported seeing the victim with a young man, both dressed "like vampires," in the vicinity of the abandoned church. 

The witness described the woman as pale and thin, while the man had dark hair and olive skin. Disturbingly, the witness stated that the woman appeared "emaciated" and resembled a "walking corpse."

The autopsy revealed the woman had been stabbed with a camping knife, resulting in her death from blood loss. Medical examiner Roberto Testi also confirmed two gunshot wounds to the neck and one to the abdomen, though investigators believe these were inflicted post-mortem.

Furthermore, police noted a peculiar detail: some of the blood at the crime scene had been deliberately removed. Despite these gruesome discoveries, authorities reported no signs of a struggle.

The investigation has yielded some additional clues. Investigators found a package of pink marshmallows, groceries purchased locally, and clothing on the victim, including beige leggings, a sweatshirt, and a long dark coat. However, she was found without identification or a cell phone, further complicating the case.