Couple Jailed Over Brutal Murder of Toddler Kemarni
Nathaniel Pope, 32, has been locked up for life after being found guilty of murdering little Kemarni. He must serve at least 24 years before parole. Kemarni’s mother, Alicia Watson, 30, was sentenced to 11 years for causing or allowing her son’s death.
Horrific Abuse Revealed in Court
On 5 June 2018, Watson called paramedics to their flat on Beacon View Road, Birmingham, claiming Kemarni had stopped breathing. Paramedics found the toddler lifeless on the bedroom floor with Watson trying desperately to perform CPR.
An autopsy revealed Kemarni suffered multiple fractures, internal injuries, and severe bruising. The fatal internal bleeding was caused by blunt force trauma so intense it was likened to a car crash. Experts said Kemarni was likely stamped on.
Repeated Abuse and Lies to Cover Up Crimes
- Medical evidence showed Kemarni had older injuries, some healing fractures – meaning abuse happened multiple times before his death.
- Pope regularly locked Kemarni in a room using snapped electrical cables to keep the door shut.
- Watson lied to nursery staff and family, claiming injuries were from harmless play fights with siblings.
- On the day Kemarni died, Watson took him to a medical centre but never disclosed the abuse. CCTV showed them visiting a McDonald’s later that day.
Pathologists confirmed Kemarni could not have walked or stood after sustaining his fatal injuries – meaning abuse likely happened at home that afternoon when both Pope and Watson were present.
Justice Served – Families and Detectives Speak Out
Both Pope and Watson denied all charges throughout the months-long trial at Birmingham Crown Court but were convicted on 12 April 2023. Pope was found guilty of murder and child cruelty, while Watson was found guilty of causing or allowing death and child cruelty.
“Kemarni was so young and unable to explain his pain to those supposed to care for him,” said Detective Inspector James Mahon. “It’s horrendous that the very people meant to protect him caused his death. I hope this conviction brings some closure to Kemarni’s loved ones.”
