Overview
- On the trial’s opening day, Benkired apologized in court and said, “What I did was horrible,” addressing Lola Daviet’s family.
- Prosecutors presented CCTV showing Benkired leading the girl into a building and later leaving with luggage including the trunk where the body was found, as well as a witness account of her saying she was “selling a kidney” at a nearby cafe.
- A medical examiner’s report entered into evidence cited mechanical asphyxia as the cause of death and documented severe injuries, with investigators noting scissors and knives bearing blood traces were recovered.
- Court-ordered psychiatric evaluations judged Benkired fit to stand trial, and she faces charges including murder of a minor, aggravated rape, torture and acts of barbarity that carry a potential life sentence.
- The case has fed a national dispute over immigration enforcement because Benkired had been ordered to leave France before the killing, even as Lola’s family has urged politicians to stop using the tragedy for political purposes.