Dutchess Dior Tragically Killed by Husband ‘The Frenchman’ After Facebook Live Argument Days After Giving Birth

ATLANTA, GA — June 15, 2025 — A horrifying case of domestic violence has sent shockwaves through social media platforms and communities nationwide after 29-year-old Dutchess Dior, a beloved influencer, mother, and advocate, was fatally shot by her husband—known online as “The Frenchman”—just days after the couple celebrated the birth of their newest child. The incident unfolded in real-time following a highly emotional and public argument on Facebook Live, bringing attention to the growing intersection of domestic violence and digital exposure.

A Public Love Story Turned Nightmare

Dutchess Dior, born Deja Mitchell, had cultivated a loyal following on platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, where she shared insights into motherhood, relationship dynamics, beauty tutorials, and uplifting messages for women navigating hardship. Known for her radiant personality and transparency, she was seen by many as an inspirational voice for young mothers and survivors of trauma.

The man she referred to as “The Frenchman,” identified by police as 33-year-old Marcel Baptiste, was also active online, often appearing alongside Dutchess in skits, relationship discussions, and family-centered content. To their thousands of followers, they seemed like a couple deeply in love, navigating life with humor, vulnerability, and devotion to their growing family.

But behind the curated posts and polished videos, sources close to Dutchess say the reality was much darker.

The Final Days

According to friends and family, Dutchess had recently given birth to her fifth child. While the newborn’s arrival brought joy to her followers, those closest to her said she appeared emotionally drained and physically exhausted, expressing concern about escalating tensions at home.

The tipping point came on Friday night, when Dutchess and Marcel went live on Facebook from their home in Atlanta. The live stream, which has since been removed from the platform, showed the couple in the middle of an explosive argument. Witnesses say Dutchess appeared visibly shaken, tearfully trying to end the stream while Marcel became increasingly agitated.

Moments later, viewers reportedly heard a loud noise and screams before the video cut off abruptly.

Authorities were called to the home shortly thereafter. Dutchess was found with multiple gunshot wounds and pronounced dead at the scene. Her newborn and other children were found unharmed in another room of the house. Marcel fled the scene but was captured hours later following a multi-agency manhunt and is currently in police custody facing charges of first-degree murder, child endangerment, and unlawful use of a firearm.

A Nation Reacts

The news of Dutchess Dior’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief, disbelief, and fury across social media. Tributes are flooding in under the hashtags #JusticeForDutchess and #StopDomesticViolence, as fans and fellow influencers share their heartbreak and demand systemic changes.

“This wasn’t just another case,” said Angela Romero, director of the Women’s Justice Collective. “This was a mother, a public voice, a woman loved by many—taken in the most violent and public of ways. We can no longer ignore how common and deadly domestic violence is, especially in relationships that appear ‘perfect’ online.”

In just the first half of 2025, over 700 domestic violence-related deaths have been reported in the U.S., with more than 30% involving a firearm. Experts warn that the rise of social media has created a complicated double-edged sword: while it allows women to tell their stories and build supportive networks, it also provides a stage where abusers can escalate control, harassment, and violence in full view.

What’s Next?

Marcel Baptiste remains in Fulton County Jail without bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for June 17, 2025. Prosecutors say they intend to pursue the maximum penalties under Georgia law, citing aggravating factors including the presence of minors and the premeditated nature of the crime.

Dutchess Dior’s children are now in the care of relatives. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by her sister, Maya Mitchell, to support funeral expenses and establish a trust fund for the children, who now face life without their mother.

A candlelight vigil is being organized for Sunday night outside the Mitchell family home in Atlanta, with supporters expected to travel from neighboring states to pay their respects.

Final Thoughts

As her community mourns, Dutchess Dior’s voice echoes even louder in death. She often spoke about healing, survival, and the importance of speaking out. Her last post—a selfie holding her newborn—was captioned, “New life. New chapter. I’m choosing peace this time.”

That peace was stolen from her far too soon.

Her story is a brutal reminder that behind even the most glamorous of posts, danger can lurk—silently, steadily—until it explodes. And when it does, the cost is too often a woman’s life.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.