Mother Guilty of Killing Toddler Gracie by Scalding
Nineteen-month-old Gracie suffered horrific burns covering 65% of her tiny body. But instead of rushing her to hospital, her mother, Katie Crowder, used vital time to cover up the crime and make it look like an accident. Tragically, Gracie later died from her injuries in hospital.
Cocaine Use and Lies Uncovered
An investigation revealed Crowder had taken cocaine before Gracie’s death. At Nottingham Crown Court, the 26-year-old was found guilty of murder following a unanimous jury verdict.
Crowder told police she’d filled a bucket of hot water to clean up after the family dog, leaving it on the bathroom floor while she went to put on some washing. She claimed that when she returned, Gracie was on the floor with the bucket tipped over and water everywhere.
But police found very little water at the scene. Experts said the severity of Gracie’s burns could not have happened by tipping the bucket herself, and Crowder’s story didn’t add up.
Prosecution: Torture, Not Accident
“I welcome today’s verdict which serves as justice for Gracie. What her mother put her through was absolutely appalling,” said Detective Chief Inspector Rob Routledge, senior investigator on the case.
The prosecution argued that Gracie’s injuries would have caused excruciating pain and screams. There was no way Crowder could have been unaware. Also, the toddler’s injuries weren’t immediately life-threatening – with prompt help, she could have survived. Police believe Crowder used the delay to clean up before seeking medical aid.
Investigation Faced Huge Challenges
DCI Routledge explained, “This was one of the most unusual investigations I’ve worked on. We had no witnesses, no CCTV, no data. Crowder was the only one who knew what happened inside that house, and she was lying.”
A team of expert witnesses was crucial to dismantling Crowder’s story – including pathologists, burn specialists, paediatricians, and toxicologists. Their expert analysis showed Gracie could not have accidentally tipped a heavy bucket of scalding water.
“These cases are thankfully rare, but the injuries left a lasting impact on everyone involved,” added Routledge.
Heartbreaking Aftermath
Nottinghamshire Police were called to Wharmby Avenue in Mansfield at 6.30am on March 6 after Crowder took Gracie to her parents’ home. They called an ambulance and attempted to resuscitate the toddler, but she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at hospital. The post-mortem confirmed the cause of death was severe scalding.
Crowder pleaded not guilty but was convicted after a three-week trial. She is due to be sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on December 16, 2020.
