This Monday, the second day of the trial of Dahbia Benkired, accused of the murder of young Lola in October 2022, began. From the first day, the accused apologized to the family of the child, whose body was found in a trunk.
Lola was raped
The autopsy revealed that Lola had asphyxiation and multiple traumatic injuries, particularly in the cervical, dorsal, and anorectal regions. The pathological expert explained that his examination consisted of analyzing the samples taken during the autopsy under a microscope to determine the origin and chronology of the injuries.
Although the accused denied having committed anal or vaginal penetration, only admitting to having touched Lola's breasts, the medical examiner's report states that Lola was rapedThe forensic pathologist detailed the injuries found on the child's body: anorectal and vaginal trauma, a deep wound to the face, as well as 38 wounds to the back. Some of these injuries were classified as life-threatening and occurred before death.
The consequences of mechanical asphyxia
The medical examiner explained that the obstruction of Lola's nose and mouth with tape found on her face could lead to mechanical asphyxiation, with loss of consciousness, convulsions, respiratory arrest, and then cardiac arrest within two to three minutes. She also noted that the injuries to the child's neck and forearm were consistent with the defendant's statements regarding the girl's manipulation.
The discovery of the trunk at the bar
During the hearing, the court presented the black trunk with red handles, previously kept under seal, in which Lola's body was found. The president emphasized the difficulty in imagining how a body measuring 60 cm and weighing 55 kg could have fit inside.
The witness who saw the accused with a trunk on the day of the crime explained that he observed Dahbia Benkired carrying a trunk and suitcases in the street, helped briefly by a "scrap truck" who then allegedly loaded and unloaded her belongings. Another vehicle arrived, and the witness took a photo of its license plate before reporting the scene to the police after learning of Lola's disappearance on social media.
He described Dahbia Benkired's attitude as calm, “very normal, as if she were going on a trip”Asked about the contents of the trunk in a cafe, she reportedly replied with a smile: "What do you think I'm doing?" after he smelled a strong odor of bleach and saw a tiny blood stain.
'I wish this tragedy had never happened': Second witness's message to Lola's family
Invited to make spontaneous statements at the hearing, a second witness sent a message to Lola's family. "My heart goes out to Lola's family.", he said. "I wish this tragedy never happened and I hope that, in some way, their hearts can one day find peace."
As a reminder, this forty-year-old had been charged with "concealment of a corpse" in the case, but had benefited from a dismissal at the end of the investigation.
