Baby Shaken to Death Despite Child Protection Plan
A horrified jury at the Old Bailey has heard how three-month-old Kaylani Kalanzi, who died after being violently shaken, was already on a child protection plan.
Tragic Injuries and Hospital Admission
Kaylani was rushed to Homerton Hospital in Hackney on 8 July 2024. She suffered catastrophic brain injuries, fractured ribs and leg, plus damage to her eyes. The tiny tot tragically died 15 days later.
Her parents — Herbert Kalanzi, 35, and Nazli Merthoca, 24, from East Ham — stand accused but deny murder and causing or allowing her death.
Parents’ Volatile Past in the Spotlight
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC revealed Kaylani had already been flagged by social services due to concerns over her parents’ violent, “mutually abusive” relationship. Merthoca’s drug use made things worse, leaving the baby extremely vulnerable.
“Each defendant knew that the other one posed a real risk to the children,” Johnson told the court.
Signs of Earlier Abuse Ignored
Weeks before Kaylani’s death, she sustained an injury to her right eye. Merthoca first blamed Kalanzi but later changed her story. Kalanzi claims it was accidental.
“The eye injury, though minor, shows the defendants’ failure to protect Kaylani from harm,” said Johnson.
Fatal Night and Blame Game
On 8 July, both parents cared for Kaylani at Merthoca’s grandmother’s flat in Homerton. They called 999 claiming the baby stopped breathing. Paramedics noted no signs Kaylani had been shaken, but medical experts said her injuries were not accidental.
“One of them is lying. One of them did it. But only they know who the culprit is,” the prosecutor warned.
The jury’s key challenge: decide which parent shook Kaylani fatally. The trial is ongoing.
