The tragic case of 12-year-old Lola, whose body was discovered in a suitcase in Paris on October 14, 2022, has left France in mourning. Her alleged murderer, Dahbia B., a 24-year-old undocumented woman, was arrested shortly after the crime. Lola’s family has been deeply affected, with her father’s death in 2024 adding to their sorrow. In interviews, her mother and brother, Thibault, expressed their grief and desire to keep Lola’s memory alive, highlighting the emotional toll of their loss.
Tragic Loss of Young Lola in Paris
On October 14, 2022, the heart-wrenching discovery of 12-year-old Lola’s body shocked the nation. Found concealed in a suitcase within the courtyard of her Parisian residence in the 9th arrondissement, this tragic event ignited a wave of sorrow across France. Just ten days following this horrifying incident, her funeral was held, reflecting the deep emotional impact on the community. Investigations revealed that Lola’s life was taken by 24-year-old Dahbia B., a woman of Algerian descent residing in France without legal status.
Dahbia B. was arrested two days after the murder, already on the police radar due to previous domestic violence encounters. After an extensive investigation, the Paris prosecutor’s office announced that she would face trial for “murder accompanied by rape, torture, or acts of barbarism.” This prosecution underscored the brutal intent behind the crime, as Lola had endured a “deluge of violence,” both physical and sexual, indicative of a tragic and humiliating fate.
A Family’s Devastating Grief
The aftermath of Lola’s death has left her family shattered. For years, her relatives maintained a low profile, grappling with an unbearable loss. In early 2024, the family faced another heartbreak with the passing of Lola’s father, Johan Daviet, at the age of 49. Johan had previously voiced that the tragedy affected not just Lola but her entire family. Unfortunately, he succumbed to alcoholism just months before his death, after a three-year period of sobriety.
Lola’s mother, Delphine Daviet-Ropital, has largely stayed out of the media spotlight. However, she did share her heartache in an interview with Le Figaro last October. More recently, she opened up on the show “Ça commence aujourd’hui” with Faustine Bollaert, airing on November 12, 2024. Accompanied by her son, Thibault Daviet, Delphine expressed her desire to ensure that “Lola is not forgotten” and emphasized the importance of her memory beyond being a mere news item. Video clips from the show have been shared on social media, showcasing emotional exchanges, including a poignant letter from Thibault to his sister.
Thibault’s tribute captures the profound sorrow of a brother mourning his sibling. In his heartfelt letter, he addresses Lola, saying, “My Lola, my little sister, I write this note to tell you how much I miss you since you went to see the stars.” He carries the weight of guilt, feeling he failed to protect her in her time of need. “I hope you will forgive me one day,” he expresses, a sentiment that encapsulates the deep regret and emotional burden he bears. The letter serves as a tribute to Lola’s memory and a way for Thibault to channel his grief into a message of unconditional love.
During the same segment, Lola’s mother spoke about her daughter’s final moments, revealing, “She stopped breathing on her own, out of fear, I was told. So, she died of asphyxiation.” These heartbreaking words were difficult for host Faustine Bollaert to hear, illustrating the profound tragedy that has affected this family and the broader community.