The heartbroken father of 12-year-old Lola Daviet, who suffered a brutal rape, torture, and beheading, has died from overwhelming grief. This tragic loss comes as her killer receives a historic life sentence – the first time a woman in France has been handed life without parole.
Johan Daviet, 49, fell into despair and heavy drinking after the horrific October 2022 murder of his daughter. Lola’s head was found in a suitcase outside the Paris block where Johan worked as caretaker.
Historic Life Sentence for Barbaric Killer
On Friday, 27-year-old Algerian illegal immigrant Dahbia Benkired was sentenced to life imprisonment without the chance of parole. She brutally murdered Lola in shocking circumstances that gripped the nation.
Lola’s mother, Delphine, revealed in court how Johan, sober for three years, started drinking again on the very day Lola was killed.
“He drank from morning to night. He died of grief, tormented by his demons.”
Before his death 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 Final Hours
Court testimony revealed Lola was lured into Benkired’s sister’s flat under false pretences. There, the 12-year-old was forced to undress, shower, and endure horrific sexual assault.
- Lola suffered 38 injuries from a sustained attack with scissors and a box cutter.
- Benkired partially severed Lola’s head and taped her face, nose, and mouth shut, causing death by asphyxiation.
- Lola endured unimaginable physical, psychological, and moral suffering.
Security footage captured Benkired dragging a suitcase containing Lola’s remains through Paris, even stopping in a bar where she opened the luggage publicly. A homeless man later found the trunk in a courtyard.
The court heard of mysterious numbers ‘1’ and ‘0’ scratched onto Lola’s feet, but no explanation was given.
Family’s Pain and Calls for Truth
Lola’s brother, Thibault, spoke emotionally to the court: “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 with Lola’s image reading: “You will be the sun of our lives and the star of our nights.”
The devastating trial exposed unthinkable cruelty, but the family refused to let Lola’s memory be used for political gain amid immigration controversies surrounding the killer’s illegal status.
Political Outrage and Calls for Justice
Benkired came to France on a student visa in 2016 but overstayed. Despite an expulsion order issued two months before the murder, authorities failed to deport her.
Far-right politicians exploited the tragedy to attack immigration policy. National Rally’s Jordan Bardella tweeted Benkired “had no business being in France.” Marine Le Pen slammed illegal immigrants for causing “too many” crimes.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin condemned the politicisation, calling it “indecency”.
Aftermath and Legacy
Thousands attended a silent march in Lola’s honour in November 2022. The family remains shattered. Johan had lost his daughter, job, home, and marriage before his death.
Defence lawyer Alexandre Valois said Benkired may appeal. Meanwhile, the landmark ruling sends a chilling message about France’s stance on brutal child murders and immigration enforcement failures.
Thibault Daviet summed it up: “We got what we wanted; we have restored the memory of Lola, thank you to justice.”
Follow Britannia Daily for more updates on this gripping story.
