Tragic Fall from London Flat
An 18-day-old baby girl, Mariam, died after allegedly being thrown from a third-floor window in her family’s Westminster flat, central London. The horrifying incident happened on Saturday morning, with her father in the kitchen preparing baby formula at the time.
Mother Charged with Murder
Zahira Byjaouane, 43, was due in court at the Old Bailey on Wednesday, charged with Mariam’s murder, but did not attend the hearing. Prosecutor Philip McGhee revealed that the father called 999 at 7.30 am, reporting that the baby had fallen from the sash window.
Emergency services arrived swiftly and found Mariam lying on a concrete surface below, between the flats and a high metal railing. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the infant died at 9am from a fatal skull fracture following her 32-foot fall.
Father Tried to Save Baby
The court heard the father had dashed outside in a desperate attempt to reach the baby, but was unsuccessful before calling for help. Police officers found Byjaouane inside the flat, sitting on a bed. She was initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and was formally charged with murder the next day.
Court Sets Trial Dates
Judge Mark Lucraft KC has set a plea hearing for June 3, with a 10-day trial scheduled to start on February 15, 2027. Byjaouane remains in custody awaiting trial.
