Gruesome Murder of 12-Year-Old Sparks Outrage in France

A shocking crime in Paris has left the nation reeling. On October 14, 2022, the lifeless body of 12-year-old Lola Daviet was discovered in a travel trunk, leading to widespread outrage and a national conversation about immigration policies and public safety. The tragic events began when her father, Johan Daviet, reported her missing after she failed to return home from school.

After reviewing security footage, Johan saw Lola enter their building with a woman identified as Dahbia Benkired. Later that evening, around 11:30 p.m., a homeless man found the trunk in the basement, revealing Lola’s body. Homicide detectives quickly focused on Benkired, a 24-year-old illegal immigrant from Algeria.

Details of the Crime Unfold

Investigators learned that Benkired had lured Lola into her sister’s apartment, where horrific acts took place. According to reports, she forced Lola to strip and shower before committing acts of sexual violence. An autopsy revealed that Lola died from asphyxiation and had multiple stab wounds, with the final act being an almost decapitation.

Within three days of the murder, Benkired was arrested and charged with “murder of a minor under 15” and “rape with torture and acts of barbarism.” Her immigration status raised alarms, as she had previously been ordered to leave France but had not complied.

The case ignited public fury, particularly as France grapples with rising tensions surrounding immigration. Following the revelation of Benkired’s status, protests erupted, with officials demanding accountability for failures in the immigration system.

Trial and Sentencing

The trial commenced on October 20, 2023, in Paris, where the court was presented with graphic evidence of Lola’s injuries. During the proceedings, Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, confronted forensic experts about her daughter’s suffering. A pathologist confirmed that Lola likely endured significant pain before her death.

As the trial progressed, Benkired’s mental state became a focal point. She fluctuated between accepting responsibility and making bizarre claims, such as blaming the murder on “ghosts” and asserting indifference to the crime. Her statements included a chilling remark: “I was raped too, and I saw my parents die in front of me.”

Ultimately, on October 24, 2023, Benkired received a life sentence without possibility of parole, marking a historic ruling as the first such sentence for a woman in France. The judge emphasized the “unspeakable psychological damage” inflicted on Lola’s family during the proceedings.

In the aftermath, the emotional toll of the case was evident. Johan Daviet, overwhelmed by grief, tragically passed away in February 2024 at age 49. Delphine expressed her anguish, describing Benkired as “this monster,” while the family sought justice for Lola’s brutal murder.

The case continues to resonate in France, prompting discussions on the intersection of immigration policy, public safety, and the need for systemic reform. As the nation remembers Lola Daviet, her story serves as a painful reminder of the consequences of unresolved issues within society.