A 31-year-old Algerian woman described as a 'monster' and 'devil' has been sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for the brutal rape and murder of 12-year-old Lola Daviet in Paris.
Dahbia B., whose full name remains protected under French privacy laws, showed rare emotion during her trial as she begged the court for forgiveness for the October 2022 killing that shocked France.
The Horrific Crime That Shook a Nation
The court heard harrowing details of how the schoolgirl was subjected to unspeakable violence before her body was discovered in a plastic case in the building where she lived with her family in the 19th arrondissement of Paris.
Forensic evidence presented during the two-week trial revealed the extent of the torture inflicted upon the young victim, with prosecutors describing the murder as being of 'exceptional barbarity'.
A Chilling Courtroom Confession
In a dramatic moment during proceedings, the convicted murderer broke down in tears, telling the court: 'I ask for forgiveness, even if I don't deserve it.'
Her defence team had argued that their client suffered from mental health issues, but psychiatric evaluations concluded she was criminally responsible for her actions at the time of the murder.
Justice Served Without Compromise
The sentence of life imprisonment without parole represents the most severe punishment available under French law, reserved for only the most heinous crimes.
This case has prompted widespread debate about violence against children and immigration policies in France, with the victim's family expressing relief that justice has been served while continuing to mourn their devastating loss.
