Woman Charged with Murder of Baby and Assault of Toddler in Lancashire
Charged and Remanded
Karen Foster, 61, appeared at Blackburn Magistrates’ Court today accused of murdering a nine-month-old baby boy and assaulting a one-year-old girl. She was remanded in custody and is due back in court on Friday at Preston Crown Court.
Unrelated Victims Shock Community
Lancashire Police revealed that Foster has no connection to either child, and the youngsters are unrelated to each other. The investigation began on March 1, 2022, after emergency services were called to a property in Hapton, Lancashire, where the baby was found in medical distress.
Tragic Death Sparks Arrests
The infant was rushed to hospital but sadly died on March 5, 2022. Foster, from Haslingden, and a 78-year-old man from Burnley were initially arrested on suspicion of assault. Both were later held on murder suspicions.
Co-Defendant Released, Foster Faces Serious Charges
The Burnley man has since been released without charge. Foster now faces murder charges for the baby’s death and a historic assault charge for attacking a one-year-old girl in Hapton in March 2019.
Police Offer Support to Grieving Family
Lancashire Police confirmed the deceased baby’s family is receiving support from specialist officers. They expressed their condolences, saying: “Our thoughts are with them at this time.”
