A teenager who murdered his partner’s four-month-old son in a violent and sustained attack has been jailed indefinitely.
Carl Alesbrook, 19, was found guilty at Derby Crown Court of murdering Elijah Shemwell after violently shaking him and inflicting multiple injuries at his partner’s home in Belper, Derbyshire, in January 2022. Elijah suffered catastrophic brain injuries and passed away three days later in hospital.
Alesbrook had only been in a relationship with Elijah’s mother, India Shemwell, for seven weeks before the fatal incident. During this time, he exhibited increasing frustration and violence towards the child, leaving him with multiple fractures, brain injuries, and bruising.
Fatal Attack
On January 2, 2022, Alesbrook inflicted the final, fatal injuries on Elijah while Shemwell was out shopping. CCTV confirmed that Alesbrook was alone with the child during the critical moments. Elijah suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where he died on January 5.
A forensic pathologist testified that Elijah’s injuries were consistent with severe shaking and impacts to his face and body. The court heard that the injuries could not be explained by any other plausible cause.
Background of Neglect
Evidence presented in court revealed that Alesbrook had inflicted injuries on Elijah on at least two prior occasions, leaving the baby with brain trauma and subdural bleeding. On January 1, Shemwell sent a video to friends showing Elijah unresponsive and struggling to move his arm but failed to seek medical attention until the next day.
During the trial, prosecutor Vanessa Marshall KC described Shemwell as a “thoroughly inadequate mother” who neglected Elijah’s needs and delayed seeking urgent medical care. However, she emphasized that Shemwell did not directly cause Elijah’s injuries.
Sentencing
Alesbrook, of Matlock, was sentenced to an indefinite prison term, with a minimum of 14 years, after being convicted of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The judge noted the brutality of his actions and the severe harm inflicted on an innocent and vulnerable child.
Shemwell, 21, was sentenced to three years in prison after admitting two counts of child cruelty, including failing to dial emergency services promptly and neglecting Elijah’s basic needs.
Reaction from Prosecutors
During the trial, Ms Marshall criticised Alesbrook’s attempts to deny responsibility, highlighting his disturbing behaviour, including derogatory remarks about Elijah in messages to Shemwell.
“Alesbrook’s actions were brutal and deliberate, ending the life of a defenceless child,” she said. “This case represents one of the most heart-wrenching instances of child cruelty.”
Legacy of Violence
The tragic case highlights the severe consequences of domestic violence and child neglect. Prosecutors and child welfare advocates hope it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding vulnerable children and ensuring early intervention in abusive situations.
