A mother has been convicted of murdering her two young children after their bodies were discovered in their family home in Dagenham, east London. Kara Alexander, 47, was found guilty at Kingston Crown Court on Friday, February 21, and will be sentenced on April 11.
The tragic deaths of two-year-old Elijah Thomas and five-year-old Marley Thomas have left the community and family devastated, particularly the boys’ father, who made the harrowing discovery.
A Father’s Worst Nightmare
Emergency services were called at around 2:00 pm on December 16, 2022, after the boys’ father arrived at their home on Cornwallis Road to collect them for the weekend. Having been unable to contact Alexander, he arrived at the house only to find both children dead in their shared bunkbed.
The boys were pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination revealed that both had died from interference with the normal mechanics of breathing, caused by either smothering or immersion in water.
Kara Alexander fled the house after the bodies were found but was arrested nearby a short time later.
Detectives Detail Harrowing Investigation
The investigation, led by Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller of the Specialist Crime Command, uncovered chilling details.
“Our thoughts are with the family, especially the boys’ father who found them dead when he went to collect them for the weekend after Kara Alexander had failed to return his messages,” DCI Waller stated. “No parent should have to go through such a horrific experience, and then have to listen to the detailed evidence highlighting what led up to these events.”
The house was found in complete darkness, with curtains closed and no signs of forced entry. Alexander’s phone was discovered submerged in a filled sink, apparently an attempt to destroy evidence. Forensic analysis revealed the phone had been used regularly until December 16, after which there was complete silence — leading investigators to believe she had been deliberately avoiding contact after the children’s deaths.
Local CCTV and doorbell footage showed Alexander and her two sons running errands together up until the afternoon of December 15, the last time they were seen alive in public.
The Aftermath and Sentencing
Alexander was charged on December 19, 2022, with two counts of murder. Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that she had planned the killings and had taken steps to avoid immediate detection.
DCI Waller praised the response from first responders:
“I would also like to praise those who were first on scene — our colleagues and the paramedics — who also experienced this traumatic event first-hand. This has been a difficult investigation for everyone involved. This guilty verdict cannot turn back the clock but it does provide the children’s family with some form of resolution.”
Community in Mourning
The Dagenham community has been left reeling in the wake of the tragedy. Local residents placed flowers, toys, and handwritten notes outside the family’s home in remembrance of Elijah and Marley. Grief counselors and support services have been made available to neighbors and friends deeply affected by the case.
Seeking Support
If you or anyone you know is struggling with issues related to mental health or domestic distress, help is available. You can contact Samaritans at 116 123 for 24/7 confidential support, or reach out to Childline at 0800 1111 if you’re worried about a child’s welfare.
