Dahbia Benkired, 27, faces trial for the brutal rape, torture, and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in Paris. The horrific crime rocked France in 2022 and ignited fierce debate over immigration controls. Lola’s body was found stuffed inside a trunk in the apartment block where her parents worked as caretakers.
Family Tragedy Deepens: Father Dies Heartbroken
Lola’s father, Johan Daviet, never recovered emotionally from his daughter’s death. He separated from his wife, turned to alcohol, and tragically died of a heart attack in February 2024. Family lawyer Clotilde Lepetit said his “head and heart were too close to hell” after the loss.
“We want the whole truth, to all of France and to us,” said Lola’s brother, Thibault, addressing the accused. “Our father died because of the same person.”
Lola’s mother, Delphine, told the court she is “waiting for justice.” Family members wore white T-shirts in court with a picture of Lola and the words: “You were the sun of our life, you will be the star of our nights.”
The Crime That Gripped a Nation
On 14 October 2022, Benkired lured Lola into an apartment in northeast Paris where horrific abuse took place. Forensic reports reveal Lola endured multiple sexual assaults and was killed by asphyxiation after being wrapped in tape.
- Neighbouring residents saw Benkired carrying suitcases and a heavy trunk shortly after. When challenged, she bizarrely claimed she was “selling a kidney.”
- She fled police but was caught the next day. A homeless man found Lola’s body that night.
Immigration Controversy Rocks French Politics
The case exploded politically after reports showed Benkired was living illegally in France, having ignored an expulsion order issued two months before the murder. She arrived legally in 2016 on a student visa but overstayed.
In court, Benkired said: “I feel free in France. In Algeria, we have no life. I studied here, I grew up here, I have my whole family here.”
Right-wing leaders like Marine Le Pen and Éric Zemmour seized on the case to slam immigration laws. But Lola’s mother begged politicians to stop exploiting her daughter’s death.
Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne called for “decency” and respect, urging the authorities to do their job without political interference.
Troubled Past and Dark Mysteries Surround Motive
Benkired spoke of a difficult childhood split between Algeria and France, abuse, and trauma. At the time of the murder, she was homeless, unemployed, and residing with her sister.
Investigators uncovered strange details: Benkired wrote numbers in nail polish on Lola’s feet and searched online for witchcraft topics. She also mentioned folklore about children killed in occult ceremonies.
During questioning, her story changed from acceptance of guilt to denying involvement, blaming ghosts or unknown strangers.
Psych Evaluation Clears Her for Trial — Life Sentence Possible
Experts found Benkired mentally fit for trial, despite manipulative behavior and heavy cannabis use. She faces life imprisonment for murder with rape and torture.
Lola was a bright student and gymnast, described as kind-hearted and strong-willed by her mother.
The trial is set to run until 24 October with a verdict expected soon. Outside court, far-right activists displayed anti-immigration banners, underscoring the political tensions sparked by this dreadful crime.
France continues to grapple with the impact of violent crime, immigration debate, and the heartache endured by victim families.
