The 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 murder of Lola Daviet, whose body was discovered in the entrance of her apartment building in Paris in 2022. Benkired kidnapped Lola, subjected her to sexual assault, and fatally injured her with a box cutter and scissors. Lola’s grieving mother expressed her sentiments towards Benkired, condemning her as a “monster” during the trial.
Delphine Daviet, Lola’s mother, emotionally testified in court after witnessing distressing images of her daughter’s body and receiving the coroner’s report. She fondly remembered Lola as a cheerful and caring child with a resilient personality. Delphine described their close-knit family dynamic, emphasizing their attentiveness to one another.
Recounting the tragic event that forever changed her life, Delphine recalled the last moments she shared with Lola before her disappearance on October 14, 2022. The family, planning a weekend trip to Pas-de-Calais, grew concerned when Lola failed to return home that evening.
Describing the encounter between Lola and Benkired outside their residence, Delphine expressed shock and bewilderment, questioning why her daughter followed the perpetrator. She emphasized the importance of cautioning children about strangers and encouraged them to seek help if threatened.
The family contacted the authorities, who later informed them of the discovery of Lola’s body, which was found in a plastic container in the courtyard of their Paris residence. Benkired, an Algerian immigrant overstaying her visa, had restrained Lola’s mouth, leading to her tragic death by suffocation.
The heinous nature of the crime has incited outrage in France, prompting protests outside the courthouse. The Attorney General characterized Benkired’s actions as driven by pleasure and sexual gratification. The judge, in delivering the verdict, condemned Benkired’s actions as tantamount to torture, considering the profound psychological impact on the victim and her family.
Following the sentencing, Delphine expressed satisfaction with the pursuit of justice, while Lola’s brother affirmed that her memory and the truth had been vindicated.