Man Convicted of Murder in Shaken Baby Death

Tyla Wharmby, 24, has been convicted of murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent in the death of three-month-old Hunter Hodges. The infant suffered fatal head injuries, described by Canterbury Crown Court as comparable to those from a high-speed motorcycle collision or a multi-level fall.

Wharmby was looking after Hunter overnight on July 15, 2022, while the baby's mother, Shannon Hodges, slept. Hunter's mother became concerned when she awoke and found the baby pale, unresponsive, and with a swollen head. Paramedics were called, and Hunter was transported to Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother hospital before being airlifted to a London hospital. He died later that afternoon following a cardiac arrest.

Doctors determined that Hunter had sustained a fractured skull, leading to significant swelling of the brain. Digital forensic evidence later established that Wharmby had misled police regarding the sequence of events leading up to the infant's death and had deliberately inflicted a fatal injury shortly before emergency services were called. Medical experts concluded that Wharmby had previously caused injuries consistent with the baby being violently shaken.

During the trial, Wharmby admitted to having anger issues and a tendency to 'lose control'. The court also heard that Hunter had experienced multiple hospital visits in the weeks prior to his death due to symptoms such as vomiting, mottled skin, and frequent crying, which doctors identified as potential signs of Shaken Baby Syndrome. A post-mortem examination revealed an older brain bleed that had occurred up to five weeks before his death.

Hunter had been under the care of social services after concerns were raised by his biological father, though he was not under a child protection plan.

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Adam Marshall stated that the investigation was extensive, involving specialist detectives and complex medical and forensic evidence. He added that the team worked meticulously to scrutinize the evidence, expose Wharmby's lies, and bring him to court. "No outcome could lessen the devastating loss suffered by Hunter's family, but I hope this verdict provides some measure of accountability," Marshall said.

Wharmby, who was not the baby's biological father, denied the charges but was found guilty by a majority jury verdict. He is scheduled to be sentenced at a later date.