As the trial of the 2021 Bonnevoie death continues, questions remain over who delivered the fatal blow, with testimony highlighting online provocation, weapons, and reckless behavior among teenagers.

The deadly conflict between teenagers in Bonnevoie during the winter of 2021 shocked the community and sparked debates about youth aggression. One student, 18-year-old Rafael, lost his life from a stab wound to the heart.

Wednesday marked the second of four trial days against the main defendant and a second accused. The court continues to try to piece together how a confrontation between two groups of young people escalated into a fatal stabbing.

The alleged perpetrator, 17 at the time, has admitted his actions and testified that he deeply regrets what happened, describing it as an instinctive act of self-protection. A psychiatrist and an investigator confirmed this characterisation during the first two days of testimony. However, it remains unclear why he carried a knife that evening.

The confrontation reportedly began after online conflicts via Snapchat, with the second defendant encouraging the two youths to come to Bonnevoie under the pretext of selling a small amount of cannabis. The eventual victim and his group intended to rob the younger teens, who reportedly only carried €13, far below the typical price.

When the groups met, a scuffle broke out, escalating into violence. One group had a baton, the other at least one knife. Witness statements conflict regarding who used weapons, when, and how, and even the fifth person who arrived later did not clarify the sequence of events.

The alleged perpetrator denies stabbing Rafael, leaving questions about the timing and circumstances of the fatal attack unresolved.

After two days of testimony, the tragic picture is clear: online provocations, cannabis use, armed confrontations, and reckless behavior all contributed to Rafael’s death.

The third day of the trial is scheduled for Thursday.