A 12-year-old girl’s brutal murder in Paris has shocked France and raised profound questions about justice and safety in the country. Lola Daviette, described as an affectionate and sociable child, was lured to her death by 27-year-old Dabia Banker, who was recently sentenced to life in prison—the first woman in France to receive such a sentence for murder.
On October 14, 2022, Lola was walking home from school when she encountered Banker, who asked for assistance with her suitcases. Surveillance footage later revealed that Lola entered the apartment building with Banker but never exited. When her parents reported her missing after she failed to return home, a tragic investigation unfolded. By late that evening, a homeless man discovered Lola’s lifeless body stuffed inside a suitcase in the courtyard of their building. The gruesome nature of the crime shocked the nation, as her body showed signs of torture, including multiple stab wounds and evidence of sexual assault.
The investigation quickly uncovered that Banker, an Algerian migrant who had overstayed her visa, had not been authorized to remain in France. Despite an order for her to leave the country two months prior, she had sought refuge in her sister’s apartment, where the murder took place. The public’s outrage intensified as details emerged, with many questioning how someone with Banker’s immigration status could commit such a heinous act.
During her arrest, Banker confessed to the murder, claiming she acted out of a mix of anger and delusion. She noted that she felt “revenge” against Lola, whom she described as a “weaker person.” The prosecution argued that the crime stemmed from Banker’s manipulative personality and her psychopathic traits, which were evaluated by psychiatric experts who found no major mental illness. Banker’s defense centered on her traumatic childhood experiences, asserting that they contributed to her actions, yet this did little to mitigate the horror of her crime.
The trial, which began on October 17, 2023, attracted significant public attention and prompted discussions about immigration policies and public safety. Prosecutors described the murder as premeditated, highlighting the extreme violence inflicted on the young girl. On the second day of her trial, Banker took the stand, discussing her troubled past but failing to evoke sympathy as her indifference towards Lola’s suffering was evident.
Ultimately, the court found Banker guilty of murder and rape of a minor under the age of 15, with acts involving torture and extreme violence. The judge sentenced her to life in prison, with no possibility of parole until 2052. Lola’s family, devastated by the loss, expressed their grief in court, emphasizing that their daughter’s death should not be used for political purposes.
The case has ignited a national conversation about the safety of children in public spaces and the potential implications of immigration laws. Lola’s tragic story serves as a reminder of the vulnerability of young individuals and the urgent need for protective measures in society. As the country grapples with the aftermath of this crime, the memory of Lola Daviette will remain a poignant symbol of innocence lost to brutality.
