The family of a schoolgirl who was brutally raped and murdered by a 27-year-old woman has claimed that the girl’s father passed away due to overwhelming grief following the tragic incident.
Shortly after being reported missing in October 2022, the lifeless body of 12-year-old Lola Daviet was discovered mutilated and crammed into a plastic container outside the family’s residence in a Paris apartment block.
Algerian-born Dahbia Benkired was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 30 years after being convicted of the heinous crimes of raping, torturing, and killing Lola. This verdict marked the first instance in French legal history where a woman received a whole-life sentence.
During the court proceedings, it was revealed that Benkired likely carried out the attack as a form of retaliation against the girl’s mother for denying her access to the apartment complex.
A significant controversy arose in France following Benkired’s arrest, as it was disclosed that she had unlawfully remained in the country after her student visa expired. Lola’s parents denounced any politicization of their daughter’s tragic fate.
Lola’s father, Johan Daviet, tragically passed away at the age of 49, reportedly succumbing to grief and resuming alcohol consumption after his daughter’s untimely death.
Before his demise, he left a poignant note on Benkired’s door expressing his deep sorrow and longing to reunite with his beloved daughter.
In court, Lola’s brother, Thibault Daviet, spoke on behalf of the family, emphasizing the importance of truth and justice in the face of such a devastating loss.
Disturbing CCTV footage presented during the trial captured Benkired handling the victim’s body at a Paris bar following the murder. The girl had ‘1’ and ‘0’ marked on her feet, and a medical expert testified that she suffered 38 wounds on her back and neck leading to asphyxiation.
As graphic evidence of Lola’s injuries was displayed in court, family members left in distress. Lola had sustained severe injuries to her genitals, face, back, and head.
On the day of the crime, Lola was last seen entering the apartment building and interacting with Benkired before being taken inside. Benkired was accused of transporting Lola’s body in a plastic box across Paris before abandoning it on the street.
At the trial commencement, Benkired expressed remorse and sought forgiveness from the victim’s family. She was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of early release.
