A mother of a 12-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted, tortured, and murdered delivered a powerful message to the perpetrator responsible for her daughter’s death. Dahbia Benkired, 27, has made history in France by receiving a life sentence for the brutal killing of Lola Daviet in Paris in 2022. Benkired abducted Lola, raped her, and then fatally slashed her throat with a box cutter and scissors. Lola’s grieving mother, Delphine Daviet, addressed the court, recounting the harrowing details of the tragedy after viewing her daughter’s tortured body and receiving the coroner’s report.
Delphine fondly remembered Lola as a cheerful and helpful girl with a strong character, emphasizing the close bond within their family. She recounted the heartbreaking moment when Lola left for school after dinner on the fateful day. Concern arose when Lola failed to return home that evening, as the family was preparing to leave for Pas-de-Calais for a weekend getaway at their beach house.
Describing the events of that tragic day, Delphine narrated how Lola encountered Benkired outside their apartment building. She expressed her disbelief and anguish, questioning why Lola had followed the perpetrator. Delphine stressed the importance of caution around strangers and lamented her inability to protect Lola, stating that her heart will forever be shattered.
The family contacted the authorities after Lola’s disappearance, leading to the discovery of her mutilated body in the courtyard of their residence. Benkired, an Algerian immigrant who had violated her student visa, was found to have asphyxiated Lola by taping her mouth shut. The heinous nature of the crime has sparked outrage in France, prompting protests outside the courthouse. The Attorney General condemned Benkired for preying on Lola for personal gratification.
During the sentencing, the judge characterized Benkired’s actions as extreme torture, acknowledging the profound psychological trauma inflicted on Lola and her family. Delphine expressed relief at the verdict, stating that justice had been served. Lola’s brother affirmed that her memory and the truth had been restored through the legal proceedings.