Father of Brutally Murdered Lola Dies of Grief After Historic Life Sentence
The devastated dad of 12-year-old Lola Daviet has died from overwhelming heartbreak. Johan Daviet’s tragic passing comes shortly after the monster who raped, tortured, and beheaded his daughter was given a historic life sentence – the first woman in France sentenced to life without parole.
Johan, 49, spiralled into despair and heavy drinking after Lola’s horrific murder in October 2022. Her severed head was found in a suitcase outside the Paris building where Johan worked as a caretaker.
Historic Life Sentence for Lola’s Killer
On Friday, 27-year-old Dahbia Benkired, an illegal Algerian immigrant, was handed life imprisonment without parole for the savage killing that stunned the nation.
Lola’s mother, Delphine, told the court how Johan, sober for three years, returned to drinking the very day Lola was murdered.
“He drank from morning to night. He died of grief, tormented by his demons.”
Before he died in February 2024, Johan left a heart-breaking note on Benkired’s door: “My darling, I still don’t understand why there was so much cruelty and barbarity towards you, you who were so kind. I can’t wait to see you again. Your dad, who loves you for life.”
Harrowing Details of Lola’s Final Hours
Court revealed Lola was lured into Benkired’s sister’s flat under false pretences. The 12-year-old was forced to undress, shower, and suffer horrific sexual assault.
- Lola suffered 38 injuries from a brutal attack with scissors and a box cutter.
- Benkired partially severed Lola’s head and taped her mouth, nose, and face shut, causing her to suffocate.
- Lola endured unimaginable physical and mental torment before her death.
Security cameras caught Benkired dragging the suitcase with Lola’s remains through Paris. She even stopped at a bar and openly opened the luggage. Later, a homeless man found the suitcase in a courtyard.
The court heard mysterious numbers “1” and “0” scratched onto Lola’s feet, but no explanation was provided.
Family’s Heartbreak and Demand for Truth
Lola’s brother, Thibault, gave a moving statement: “I would like to speak on behalf of the whole family, and of course my father, who is unfortunately no longer here because of the same person.”
The family wore white T-shirts bearing Lola’s image with the words: “You will be the sun of our lives and the star of our nights.”
Despite the horrific crime and immigration issues surrounding the killer, the family refused to let Lola’s tragedy be exploited for political gain.
Political Fallout and Calls for Justice
Benkired arrived in France on a student visa in 2016 but overstayed. An expulsion order was issued two months before the murder, but authorities failed to deport her.
Far-right politicians jumped on the tragedy to slam immigration policy. National Rally’s Jordan Bardella tweeted Benkired “had no business being in France.” Marine Le Pen blasted illegal immigrants for causing “too many” crimes.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin slammed this politicisation as “indecency.”
The Aftermath and Lola’s Legacy
Thousands marched in silence to honour Lola in November 2022. The family remains shattered. Johan lost his daughter, job, home, and marriage before his death.
Defence lawyer Alexandre Valois said Benkired may appeal. But the historic ruling sends a chilling message about France’s tough stance on child murder and immigration fails.
Thibault Daviet summed up: “We got what we wanted; we have restored the memory of Lola, thank you to justice.”
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