Suspect Arrested in the Killing of Young Mother in Nice While with Her Baby

A 45-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the tragic shooting of 23-year-old Lizabete in Nice, southeastern France. Lizabete was fatally shot multiple times on January 21, 2026, while sitting in her car with her 7-month-old daughter, Ayla, who remained unharmed in the car seat during the attack. The assailant fled the scene on a scooter.

The suspect was apprehended on January 23 in Grasse by elite police units BRI and RAID, just three days after the murder. According to initial investigations and confirmations by the Nice prosecutor, Damien Martinelli, the suspect is the former stepfather of Lizabete. He was identified as a municipal agent responsible for a gymnasium in a school located in downtown Nice.

Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, paid tribute to Lizabete during a memorial gathering at the Nice town hall on January 23. The city also announced it would grant Lizabete's daughter the status of "pupille," providing her legal protection and support.

This arrest follows an intense investigation focused on the suspect who had a direct connection to the victim, which helped authorities quickly identify and locate him after the crime. The suspect was taken into custody for a maximum of 24 hours before being presented to a judge, as confirmed by the prosecutor.

The incident has shocked the community, highlighting issues of violence against women. The city’s collective response through memorials and protective measures for the victim's child reflects the public's condemnation and commitment to supporting the family of the victim.