Baby Girl Shaken to Death in Horrific Family Tragedy
A three-month-old baby, Kaylani Kalanzi, was allegedly shaken to death by her parents in a brutal fallout of a violent and toxic relationship, the Old Bailey has heard.
Kaylani was rushed to Homerton Hospital, Hackney, at 10.30pm on 8 July 2024, suffering catastrophic brain injuries, a broken leg, and fractured ribs. Despite doctors’ efforts, she tragically died 15 days later.
Her parents, Herbert Kalanzi, 35, and Nazli Merthoca, 24, both from East Ham, now face charges of murder and causing or allowing her death.
‘Caught in the Middle’ of a Toxic Relationship
Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC told the court that the couple were locked in a “mutually abusive relationship.” Merthoca was using drugs, and social services were already involved under a child protection plan.
“As their relationship spiralled out of control, Kaylani was caught up in the middle of it. On July 8, 2024, the ever-present risk to Kaylani became a fatal reality,” Johnson said.
Born prematurely, Kaylani had spent nearly a month in a neonatal unit and was only recently allowed home after her parents were deemed fit to care for her.
Evidence Shows Previous Injuries Ignored
Jurors saw WhatsApp and Snapchat messages where Merthoca accused Kalanzi of harming Kaylani, pointing to a black eye and bruises. A video showed the baby with a visible eye injury.
Merthoca later googled “baby eye injury red spot” and “what to do if baby had blood shot eye,” before taking Kaylani to a GP. They claimed the injury came from a rattle accidentally wielded by another child.
“Though the eye injury was minor, it highlights the parents’ failure to protect Kaylani and their inability to care for her properly,” the prosecutor added.
The Deadly Night – Who’s Responsible?
On 8 July, the couple called 999 as Kaylani stopped breathing but didn’t mention she had been violently shaken. Medics determined her fatal injuries were no accident.
“One of them is lying. One of them did it. But only they know who the culprit is,” Johnson declared.
Both parents deny the charges. Now, it’s up to the jury to decide who delivered the fatal assault. The heartbreaking case exposes a horrific cycle of violence and neglect that destroyed a tiny life.
