Roller-skating influencer Beauty Couch allegedly stabbed 81 times before car set ablaze

Beauty Couch, a 22-year-old roller-skating influencer, was allegedly stabbed 81 times before her car was set on fire, according to court testimony. The social media personality, known as Beauty Katera, was found dead in 2023 after emergency responders arrived at the scene of a vehicle fire.

Details of the murder trial

Her boyfriend, Eugene Louis-Jacques, faces multiple charges including murder, aggravated assault, arson, concealing a death, and tampering with evidence. He has pleaded not guilty. Opening statements in the Georgia trial presented conflicting narratives from prosecutors and defense attorneys regarding the events leading to Couch’s death.

Prosecutors stated that Couch’s body was discovered in a wooded area near her burning vehicle in Austell on August 23, 2023. They alleged that she suffered 81 stab wounds. Cell phone location data and other electronic records reportedly placed Louis-Jacques near the location around the time Couch vanished.

Defense arguments and investigation details

Defense lawyers contended there is no forensic evidence directly linking Louis-Jacques to the killing and no video footage capturing the alleged attack. They argued that investigators focused on him primarily because of his relationship with Couch. The court also heard that Louis-Jacques traveled to Louisiana, where he was arrested before being extradited back to Georgia.

Background on Beauty Couch and police response

At the time of her death, Couch had amassed over 140,000 Instagram followers by sharing roller-skating and dance videos under the name Beauty Katera. One of her last Instagram posts, shared days before she died, showed her posing beside a swimming pool.

Following the discovery of her body, Cobb County Police indicated that foul play was suspected after officers found a body matching Couch’s description near the burned vehicle. Authorities later announced the arrest of Louis-Jacques in Louisiana, after tracking him to a familiar area.

St Tammany Parish Sheriff Randy Smith commented that officers were “happy to help” Georgia authorities locate the suspect, allowing Couch’s family to “begin to receive closure during this difficult time.” The trial is currently ongoing.