Baby Murderer Jailed for Life After Killing His Six-Week-Old Son
Lee Vernon’s Sickening Crime
Lee Vernon, 21, has been jailed for life for murdering his six-week-old baby boy, McKenzie Ellis, in Broadstairs. McKenzie died in a London hospital in July 2018 after suffering fatal head injuries at the hands of his father.
Guilty Verdict and Heavy Sentence
Vernon, who has no fixed address, was found guilty of murder and two counts of grievous bodily harm at Maidstone Crown Court in October 2019. Last Friday (29 November 2019), he was handed a minimum 16-year prison term. The Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate led the investigation.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
- On 23 July 2018, Vernon rang 999 reporting his son was unconscious but claimed he didn’t know why.
- When asked if McKenzie had hurt himself, Vernon said: “No, not really.”
- Medical staff found terrifying head trauma; McKenzie died three days later in a specialist trauma unit.
- Vernon told police McKenzie had slipped from his grip and hit the sofa arm before falling.
- Experts revealed multiple injuries, some inflicted on at least two previous occasions.
Justice Served
Detective Chief Inspector Richard Vickery of Kent Police said:
“It is impossible to comprehend the unnecessary suffering McKenzie endured during his short life. I am pleased Vernon has received a substantial sentence that means he is not able to harm another child.”
He added his thanks to medical experts and the investigation team for working tirelessly to bring Vernon to justice.
