Mother Jailed for Shaking Four-Month-Old Daughter to Death in Brutal Abuse Case
A 28-year-old mother has been locked up for 15 years after violently shaking her four-month-old baby daughter to death in a horrific abuse campaign. Melissa Wilband was convicted of manslaughter over the tragic death of Lexi Wilband, who suffered a catastrophic brain bleed.
Shocking Scene as Paramedics Arrive
On April 12, 2020, emergency services were called after Wilband reported that Lexi was unresponsive. Paramedics found the baby lying lifeless on the floor. Disturbingly, while medics tried to save Lexi, Wilband was seen rolling cigarettes and scrolling on her phone. She even refused to hold her daughter before she was intubated.
Judge Condemns Mother’s Brutal Actions
Sentencing Wilband, The Honourable Mr Justice Saini delivered a scathing verdict:
“You killed Lexi by violently shaking her. While bathing her, you shook her, and immediately afterwards she went floppy. Your extreme shaking led to severe bleeding in her brain. It was obvious such violent actions would carry at least the risk of very serious injury.”
The judge described Lexi as a “healthy baby” and a “delightful and smiley girl,” while slamming Wilband’s chaotic lifestyle and failure to explain her violence.
Wilband Abandoned Daughter in Final Hours
Prosecutor Jane Osborne KC revealed Wilband did not stay with Lexi after her injuries. Instead, a staff nurse held the baby’s hand through the night until she passed away.
“On the morning of 18 April, Lexi seemed to have longer pauses in her breathing,” Osborne said. “Ms Wilband was told to attend the ward. She arrived just after Lexi had ceased to show any signs of life and had stopped breathing.”
Boyfriend Cleared of Any Involvement
Wilband’s then-boyfriend, Jack Wheeler, was charged with manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child. However, the Crown Prosecution Service dropped the manslaughter charge and Wheeler was cleared of the second count.
This heart-breaking case has left the community reeling and highlights the hidden dangers of child abuse behind closed doors.
