Couple face murder charge over baby found with head injuries in Hackney
Herbert Kalanzi, 34, and Nazil Merthoca, 23, had been charged with allowing a child to suffer significant harm but will now be charged with the murder of their three-month-old daughter.
Wednesday 7 August 2024 15:40, UK
A couple have appeared in court after their three-month-old daughter died from a head injury alleged to be consistent with "shaking or impact".
Kaylani Kalanzi was was taken to Homerton Hospital in Hackney, east London, following a 999 call by her parents at around 10.30pm on 8 July, the Old Bailey heard.
She was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital with skull-related injuries and died on 23 July.
A post-mortem examination found she died of head injuries said to be consistent with "shaking or impact injuries".
Herbert Kalanzi, 34, and Nazil Merthoca, 23, had been charged with allowing a child to suffer significant harm on 8 July.
At a hearing in their case on Wednesday, the court was told they were to be charged with their daughter's murder.
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The pair appeared by video-link from Bronzefield and Thameside jails for a preliminary hearing before Judge Mark Lucraft KC.
The judge set a timetable for the case, with another hearing on 1 November and a provisional trial from 16 June next year.
The defendants, both from East Ham in east London, were remanded into custody.