Dahbia Benkired Accepts Life Sentence in Murder of Lola Daviet, Ending Appeal Prospects

Dahbia Benkired, convicted for the murder and rape of 12-year-old Lola Daviet, has chosen not to appeal her life sentence, bringing finality to a case that gripped France. On October 24, 2023, the court sentenced Benkired to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, marking her as the first woman in France to receive such a severe penalty. Benkired's decision to forgo an appeal was confirmed by her lawyer, relieving Lola's family from enduring potentially prolonged legal proceedings.

The brutal crime occurred on October 14, 2022, when Benkired lured Lola into her sister’s apartment. Over 1 hour and 37 minutes, the young girl suffered horrific sexual abuse and physical torture, resulting in 38 wounds; some were inflicted while she was still alive. The court described the acts as "true torture," emphasizing the profound psychological trauma inflicted upon Lola's family.

Lola’s mother expressed relief at the ruling's finality, stating, "It calms me a bit but Lola will not come back... I'm glad that justice went all the way and delivered the verdict we were waiting for." Her brother, Thibault Daviet, echoed gratitude towards the justice system, recognizing that while the sentence cannot restore Lola's life, it upholds justice.

During the trial, Benkired admitted to parts of the crime but denied the allegations of torture. The defense anticipated the life sentence given the extreme severity of the crimes. The trial was complicated by attempts of political exploitation by far-right groups and media outlets, efforts the Daviet family has consistently rejected to maintain Lola's memory apart from political discourse.

Benkired, 27, of Algerian origin, remains incarcerated for her crimes. Motives behind the murder remain unsettled, with theories ranging from revenge against Lola's mother to occult practices, leaving the family with lingering questions. With no appeal forthcoming, the life sentence stands definitive, closing this tragic chapter in French legal history.