Montpellier Court Hears Testimony in 2020 Shooting Death

Montpellier, France – The Hérault Assize Court is currently hearing testimony in the case of Samir Fadili, 29, accused of the 2020 shooting death of Elias Belhadj, 20, in the Cité Saint-Martin neighborhood of Montpellier. The trial began on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, with Fadili admitting to having “blood on his hands” and having “wasted his life,” according to statements made to psychologist Danielle Cani in 2023.

The Crime and the Arrest

On June 22, 2020, at approximately 3:00 a.m., Elias Belhadj was fatally shot in the chest with a 7.65 pistol in the Saint-Martin district. Fadili fled the scene and was apprehended a year and a half later in Charleroi, Belgium.

Family Conflict and Drug Trafficking

Fadili claims the shooting stemmed from a conflict between his family and local drug traffickers. He testified that he acted to protect his father, Abdellakh Fadili, who was allegedly being harassed by young people involved in the drug trade. Abdellakh Fadili, a cook and entrepreneur who previously ran businesses in Norway, England, and Nice, had purchased an apartment in Saint-Martin in 2014.

According to Fadili, his younger brother faced harassment for refusing to participate in drug trafficking, leading to fights and complaints filed with the police. A third brother later became involved in the trade, further escalating the family’s troubles.

Accused’s Background and Contradictions

Despite being described as intellectually gifted, Samir Fadili dropped out of college in ninth grade and later started a delivery company. His companion, Priscilla, with whom he shares a religious marriage, has remained supportive throughout his imprisonment. However, Fadili and Priscilla were jointly convicted in 2023 of aggravated pimping in Montpellier, having allegedly organized and facilitated prostitution through the internet.

Under the online alias “Dominatrice666” or “ArabDominatrixTough,” Fadili was implicated in the activity. During questioning, Priscilla offered little support, stating, “I don’t remember” when asked about her involvement and its impact on her relationship with Fadili. The defense argued that Priscilla was already involved in prostitution when they met and that Fadili helped her transition to training as a beautician.

The Night of the Shooting and Subsequent Events

Fadili maintains that he did not intend to kill Belhadj, claiming he fired the weapon to scare away the individuals harassing his father. Following the shooting, he went on the run for 18 months, citing fear of retaliation. Shortly after the crime, shots were fired at the family apartment, and a grenade was thrown into their cellar.

Ongoing Investigation and Pending Verdict

Abdellakh Fadili, the accused’s father, was initially suspected and briefly imprisoned but was later cleared of charges. He has not appeared to testify at his son’s trial, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant. A verdict is expected on either Thursday, February 26, or Friday, February 27.