The mother of a 12-year-old girl who was sexually assaulted, tortured, and murdered delivered a powerful message to the perpetrator responsible for the heinous crime. Dahbia Benkired, aged 27, has been sentenced to life in prison without parole, making her the first woman in French history to receive such a punishment for the brutal killing of Lola Daviet. Lola’s lifeless body was discovered in the entrance of her apartment building in Paris in 2022. Benkired kidnapped the young girl, subjected her to sexual assault, and then fatally slashed her throat with sharp objects.
During the trial, Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, emotionally recounted her daughter’s vibrant personality and close-knit family life. Describing Lola as joyful, loving, and always willing to assist others, Delphine highlighted the strong bond within their family. She vividly recalled the tragic day when Lola went missing, leading to an agonizing search that ended in the discovery of her daughter’s mutilated body in a plastic container in their residential courtyard.
Delphine expressed her anguish in court, questioning why her daughter followed Benkired, whom she referred to as a “monster.” She lamented her inability to protect Lola despite teaching her children to be cautious of strangers and to seek help if in danger. The devastating loss of her daughter left Delphine shattered, forever haunted by the horrific events of that fateful day.
The shocking details of Lola’s murder have sparked public outrage in France, prompting protests and demands for justice. The court condemned Benkired’s actions as a form of “true torture,” considering the profound psychological trauma inflicted on the victim and her family. France’s Attorney General characterized Benkired’s motives as deriving pleasure and satisfying her sexual desires at the expense of an innocent life.
In the aftermath of the sentencing, Delphine expressed relief in the judicial outcome, stating, “We believed in justice, and justice was served.” Lola’s brother echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving his sister’s memory and upholding the truth amidst the tragedy.