A woman has been convicted of causing the death of her three-month-old infant daughter, who was admitted to the hospital with severe injuries consistent with being violently shaken, including head trauma.
The court heard that Kaylani Kalanzi, who was already under the watch of social services before birth and placed on a child protection plan, suffered extensive brain damage, a broken leg, and fractured ribs. Unfortunately, she passed away in the hospital 15 days later.
During the trial at the Old Bailey, prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC accused Kaylani’s parents of prioritizing their troubled relationship over their child’s well-being, labeling them as “selfish and irresponsible.” The mother, Nazli Merthoca, was held accountable for the death of Kaylani, while her partner, Herbert Kalanzi, was deemed to have failed in protecting their child.
Despite denying any wrongdoing and choosing not to testify, both Merthoca, 24, and Mr. Kalanzi, 35, from East Ham, east London, faced trial at the Old Bailey. The jury ultimately acquitted Merthoca of murder but found her guilty of manslaughter after over 15 hours of deliberation.
Mr. Kalanzi was also cleared of involvement in causing Kaylani’s death, with the judge directing an acquittal on the murder charge.
Following the verdict, Merthoca was visibly emotional as she was remanded into custody awaiting sentencing on December 15. Earlier in the trial, it was revealed that Merthoca had a history of drug use and was in a turbulent relationship with Mr. Kalanzi.
Kaylani, who was born prematurely and had spent time in a neonatal unit before being discharged to her parents’ care, had social services oversight due to their involvement with the family. Despite efforts such as Mr. Kalanzi participating in a fathering program, it was suggested that the relationship dynamics hindered the success of the social services’ intervention.
Tragically, the incident leading to Kaylani’s death occurred on July 8, 2024, when emergency services were called after she stopped breathing. Paramedics discovered severe injuries consistent with abuse, but Merthoca did not disclose the full extent of what had happened.
At Great Ormond Street Hospital, it was noted that Merthoca was defensive when questioned about the incident, attributing blame to her race and gender. Both defendants denied causing harm to Kaylani at the residence where the incident occurred in Homerton, east London.
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