PARIS, France — The tragic murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet has left a community shattered and mourning, as the ongoing trial of her accused killer continues to reveal the horrors of the crime. Dahbia Benkired, a 27-year-old Algerian migrant, stands accused of brutally torturing and suffocating the young girl, with details emerging that paint a chilling picture of Lola’s final moments.
The court heard emotional testimony this week from Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet, who recounted the profound impact the loss of her daughter has had on her family. Delphine described her husband, Johan, as having “died of grief” after the murder, succumbing to heavy drinking as he struggled to cope with the tragedy. She said Johan, who was 49 when he died earlier this year, turned to alcohol shortly after Lola’s death as he faced the demons of despair.
Lola’s body was discovered in Paris on October 14, 2022, showing signs of severe violence, including nearly 40 wounds inflicted with scissors and a box cutter. The details of her suffering, including sexual assault and fatal asphyxiation, have left many in the courtroom and community grappling with shock.
As Delphine Daviet faced Benkired in court, she expressed her deep pain and disbelief, asking for a life sentence for the woman accused of taking her daughter away. “He drank from morning to night,” she said of Johan, highlighting the depth of his grief. The trial has brought to light not only the tragic fate of Lola but also the emotional toll on her family, including her brother, Thibault, who has been present throughout the proceedings.
The accused, Benkired, whose defense claims she was driven to commit the crime by an abusive relationship, has admitted to the horrific actions. “I know I killed a baby, an angel,” she said at the trial’s opening, expressing remorse for her actions. However, her subsequent claims of being influenced by an ex-boyfriend and visions due to substance use have raised skepticism.
Lola was allegedly lured into Benkired’s apartment and met with violence, including being bound in duct tape. The courtroom heard testimony that indicated she endured significant suffering before her death. Delphine’s questions about Lola’s final moments, answered grimly by a forensic pathologist, reinforced the family’s anguish: “She undoubtedly suffered.”
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Delphine has reflected on the personal toll it has taken. “I lost my Lola, my husband, my job, my home. My whole life has collapsed,” she stated, underscoring the devastating ripple effects of the crime. Despite her overwhelming sorrow, she continues to find strength in her son, Thibault, who remains by her side.
As the trial unfolds, it serves as a painful reminder of the extensive impact of childhood violence on families and communities. With the verdict pending, the echoes of grief and seeking justice resonate throughout Paris, where Lola’s story has captured the hearts of many.