Father Dies of Grief After Daughter’s Tragic Murder in France

A father has tragically died of grief following the horrific murder of his 12-year-old daughter, Lola Daviet, who was found dead under distressing circumstances in France. Lola was last seen returning home from school on October 14, 2022, only to be discovered hours later in a trunk at her parents’ workplace. The accused, Dahbia Benkired, a 24-year-old Algerian woman, is charged with the rape, torture, and murder of the young girl.

Benkired, who lived in the same building as the Daviet family, allegedly lured Lola into her apartment before inflicting severe injuries with scissors and a box cutter. Reports indicate that she partially severed Lola’s head and wrapped her mouth, nose, and head in tape, ultimately causing suffocation. In court this week, the distressing details of the crime were revealed, including claims that Benkired forced Lola to undress and perform sexual acts.

The trial has drawn significant attention, particularly due to the emotional testimonies from Lola’s family. Her mother, Delphine Daviet, recounted the devastating impact of their daughter’s murder on her husband, Johan Daviet. She stated that Johan, who was sober at the time of the incident, resumed drinking heavily on the day of Lola’s death. Delphine expressed her belief that he “died of grief,” tormented by the loss. Johan passed away in February 2023. Prior to his death, he left a poignant note at Benkired’s apartment, expressing his confusion over the cruelty inflicted on his daughter.

In a court appearance, Lola’s brother spoke on behalf of the family, emphasizing their desire for the truth to be revealed. “We would like you to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, to all of France and to us,” he stated, highlighting the family’s ongoing anguish.

The trial has included chilling evidence, such as surveillance footage showing Benkired dragging a trunk believed to contain Lola’s body into a bar. Testimonies revealed that the young girl suffered at least 30 injuries to her neck and back before her death. A physician testified about the physical, psychological, and moral suffering endured by Lola, detailing her traumatic injuries and the asphyxiation that ultimately led to her tragic end.

Benkired had been facing deportation from France after overstaying a student visa, just months prior to the murder. The case has raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding her residency and the sequence of events that led to this devastating crime.

As the trial continues, the family’s pain serves as a stark reminder of the impact of violence on families and communities. The proceedings are set against the backdrop of a society grappling with issues of safety, justice, and the rights of individuals facing deportation.