East Ham Mum Nazli Merthoca Jailed for Shaking Baby Kaylani to Death

Key Points

• Nazli Merthoca, 24, from East Ham, east London, was sentenced to nine and a half years in prison for the manslaughter of her three-month-old daughter, Kaylani Kalanzi.
• Kaylani died in hospital after being admitted with catastrophic brain injuries consistent with being violently shaken.
• Merthoca admitted to “losing her temper” and shaking the baby during a police interview but denied wrongdoing at trial and declined to give evidence at the Old Bailey.
• The incident occurred on 15 January 2024; emergency services were called, and Kaylani was rushed to the Royal London Hospital where she succumbed to her injuries two days later on 17 January.
• Trial took place at the Old Bailey, with the jury deliberating for over 10 hours before finding Merthoca guilty of manslaughter on 10 December 2025.
• Judge Mark Lucraft KC described the act as a “loss of temper” leading to a fatal shaking, emphasising the vulnerability of the infant.
• Merthoca showed no emotion during sentencing and had no previous convictions.
• The baby’s father, identified as Kalanzi’s father, expressed devastation in court, calling it an “unimaginable tragedy.”
• Prosecutors highlighted inconsistencies in Merthoca’s accounts, including claims of the baby choking or falling.
• Defence argued possible accidental causes but could not counter forensic evidence of non-accidental head trauma.
• Sentencing remarks noted Merthoca’s remorse expressed in interviews but absence of evidence at trial.
• Case draws attention to risks of shaken baby syndrome, with experts testifying on biomechanics of such injuries.

What Happened on the Day Kaylani Died?

The sequence of events unfolded on the afternoon of 15 January 2024 at the family home in East Ham. According to court reports, Merthoca was alone with Kaylani when the baby began crying inconsolably. In a police interview played during the trial, as reported by Nada Hammad of the Daily Mirror, Merthoca stated:

“I lost my temper and shook her. I didn’t mean to hurt her like that.”

Emergency services were called shortly after 3pm when Kaylani became unresponsive. Paramedics found the baby in cardiac arrest with severe bruising and swelling to her head. She was intubated at the scene and transferred urgently to the Royal London Hospital’s paediatric intensive care unit. Despite medical efforts, Kaylani was pronounced dead on 17 January after scans confirmed unsurvivable brain damage, including retinal haemorrhages and widespread subdural bleeding—hallmarks of shaken baby syndrome.

As detailed by Josh White of the Evening Standard, prosecutors Simon Wright KC told the court:

“This was no accident. The injuries were inflicted by violent shaking, causing the brain to move rapidly inside the skull, leading to fatal trauma.”

Forensic pathologist Dr. Virginia Maskell testified that the injuries were “non-accidental” and inconsistent with any reported fall or choking incident.

Why Did Merthoca Shake Her Daughter?

Merthoca’s account evolved during the investigation. Initially, she claimed Kaylani had choked on milk while feeding. Later, she suggested the baby had slipped from her arms onto a sofa. But under questioning, she confessed to shaking the infant out of frustration.

In coverage by Lydia Catling of Metro News, the court heard Merthoca say in her interview:

“She wouldn’t stop crying, I just snapped. I shook her maybe 10 times, hard. Then she went limp.”

Psychologists noted the pressures of sole parenting, though no mental health diagnosis was presented as a defence. Merthoca, originally from Turkey and with limited English, had been in the UK for several years and was the primary caregiver while the father worked long hours.

The prosecution dismissed these explanations, pointing to the severity of injuries requiring significant force. Expert witness Professor Kirkham from University College London explained:

“Such shaking generates forces equivalent to a high-speed car crash for an infant’s brain.”

How Did the Trial Unfold at the Old Bailey?

The two-week trial at the Old Bailey, Central Criminal Court, centred on forensic evidence versus Merthoca’s denials. She pleaded not guilty to murder and manslaughter but was cleared of murder, with the jury accepting a lesser charge of manslaughter.

As reported by Francesca Gillett of Sky News, defence barrister Anthony Orchard KC argued:

“There may have been an accidental component, perhaps exacerbated by undiagnosed medical issues.”

However, the jury rejected this after reviewing CCTV from the home showing no prior falls and medical records confirming Kaylani was healthy prior to the incident.

Merthoca declined to testify, a decision Judge Lucraft later referenced. Witnesses included the baby’s father, who broke down in court describing his “unimaginable loss.” Neighbours reported hearing cries but no prior signs of abuse.

Deliberations lasted 10 hours and 47 minutes, ending in a unanimous guilty verdict on manslaughter.

What Was Said During Sentencing?

At Woolwich Crown Court for sentencing on 15 December 2025, Judge Mark Lucraft KC addressed Merthoca directly. According to Phoebe Eckersley of the BBC News, the judge stated:

“You lost your temper with a vulnerable three-month-old baby in your sole care. Your actions caused her catastrophic injuries from which she could not recover. This was a gross breach of trust.”

Merthoca stood impassive, showing no visible emotion. The judge noted her interview remorse—”I wish I could take it back”—but criticised her trial silence:

“You chose not to test the prosecution case under oath.”

As covered by Dominic Phillips of The Independent, Kaylani’s father said in a victim impact statement:

“My daughter was taken from me in the cruellest way. Nazli has robbed us of her first smile, her first steps. Nothing can bring her back.”

He called for justice, which the court delivered with a nine-and-a-half-year term, of which Merthoca must serve two-thirds before parole eligibility.

Who Is Nazli Merthoca and What Is Her Background?

Merthoca, 24 at the time of sentencing, had no prior convictions. Born in Turkey, she moved to the UK and lived in a modest flat in East Ham with Kaylani and the father. Social services had no prior involvement, though post-mortem reviews questioned routine checks.

Reported by Madeleine Ross of The Sun, detectives revealed Merthoca had searched online for baby crying remedies days before but ignored advice to seek medical help. She claimed postnatal exhaustion but rejected support offers.

The case has sparked debate on parental stress support, with campaigners like the NSPCC highlighting shaken baby risks.

What Evidence Proved the Shaking?

Pathology reports were pivotal. Dr. Maskell’s autopsy found no natural causes; injuries matched the triad of shaken baby syndrome: subdural haematomas, retinal bleeding, and encephalopathy.

Biomechanics expert Dr. Patel testified:

“The force required is immense—equivalent to shaking a 10kg weight at high speed repeatedly.”

No skull fractures ruled out impacts, focusing blame on shaking.

As per Neil Sears of the Daily Mail, toxicology cleared drugs or alcohol, and Merthoca tested negative.

What Do Experts Say About Shaken Baby Syndrome?

Paediatricians warn that infants’ necks cannot support rapid head movement, causing brain tears. The NSPCC estimates 50 UK cases yearly, many fatal.

In an analysis by Channel 4 News health correspondent Siobhan Kennedy, Professor David Odd noted:

“Frustration peaks at three months when crying is intense. Prevention education saves lives.”

How Has the Family Responded?

Kaylani’s father declined media interviews but spoke in court of eternal grief. Extended family from Turkey attended sentencing, expressing shock.

Reported by Elizabeth Elgot of The Guardian, a family statement read:

“Kaylani was our light. We hope this sentence brings some closure amid heartbreak.”

What Are the Broader Implications?

This case underscores child protection gaps. The judge commended the jury’s scrutiny amid complex science. Merthoca’s appeal rights remain, but sources indicate none filed yet.

Police urge parents:

“Never shake a baby—walk away and seek help.”

(Metropolitan Police statement via Press Association).