By Camille Dubois

November 2, 2025 - The courtroom fell silent as the verdict was read: life imprisonment without parole for Dahbia Benkired, the woman convicted of the horrific murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet. For Delphine Daviet-Ropital, Lola’s mother, the sentence offered a measure of justice, but didn't bring full closure. Returning to her home in the Pas-de-Calais region, Daviet-Ropital spoke candidly about the emotional toll of the trial and the questions that continue to haunt her.

"It was incredibly difficult to sit through the details, to hear the descriptions of what happened to my little girl," Daviet-Ropital shared, her voice laced with sorrow. “While I am grateful for the conviction and believe the sentence is just, it doesn’t erase the pain. There’s a piece of me that will always be missing.”

Throughout the week-long trial, Daviet-Ropital, alongside her family and a contingent of supporters wearing t-shirts emblazoned with Lola’s image, bore witness to the gruesome details of the crime. She expressed particular gratitude for the dignity and support shown by her family during the proceedings.

However, beneath the relief of the verdict lies a deeper, lingering unease. “I needed to understand why,” she explained. “What drove someone to inflict such cruelty on a child? The trial offered some answers, but ultimately, it felt incomplete. There are still so many questions swirling in my mind.”

Daviet-Ropital has consistently emphasized the need to prevent such tragedies from happening again, calling for increased vigilance and support for vulnerable children. She also voiced her gratitude for the French justice system, while acknowledging the enduring trauma inflicted upon her family.

“This is not just about punishing a criminal,” she stated. “It’s about protecting other children, ensuring that no other family has to endure this unimaginable pain.”

Despite receiving an outpouring of support from across the nation, Daviet-Ropital described her grief as a constant companion. “Lola was my sunshine, my everything. Learning to live without her is a challenge I face every single day,” she said softly. “But I will continue to honor her memory by advocating for justice and working to create a safer world for all children.”

The conviction of Dahbia Benkired marks the end of a harrowing legal battle, but for Delphine Daviet-Ropital, the struggle to find peace and understanding continues. As she rebuilds her life, she carries Lola’s memory close to her heart, hoping that one day, she will find the answers that still elude her.