Heartbreaking Baby Death in London Flat
An 18-day-old baby girl, Mariam, tragically died after allegedly being thrown from a third-floor window in a Westminster flat. The horror unfolded on Saturday morning while her father was in the kitchen preparing her bottle.
Mother Charged with Murder, Fails to Appear
Zahira Byjaouane, 43, was charged with Mariam’s murder and was due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday. She did not show up. Prosecutor Philip McGhee revealed the father called 999 at 7:30am, reporting the baby had fallen from the window.
Desperate Father Unable to Save Child
The father rushed outside, trying to reach Mariam, who lay on the concrete below between the flats and a metal railing. Despite emergency crews acting fast, the baby died at 9am from a fatal skull fracture caused by the 32-foot fall.
Trial Dates Set for 2027
Police found Byjaouane sitting on a bed inside the flat after the incident. She was first arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and formally charged the next day. Judge Mark Lucraft KC scheduled a plea hearing for June 3 and a 10-day trial beginning February 15, 2027. Byjaouane remains in custody awaiting trial.
