Nazli Merthoca, 24, gave her three-month-old child Kaylani Kalanzi traumatic brain injuries before she died last year.
Merthoca of Homerton High Street was convicted of manslaughter today (October 14) despite “spinning a web of lies” in an attempt to cover up her abuse.
Her partner, Herbert Kalanzi, 35, of Ranelagh Road, Newham, was cleared of murder, manslaughter and causing or allowing the death of a child.
Merthoca called paramedics to her home on Homerton High Street at around 10.30pm on July 8, 2024 claiming her baby daughter, Kaylani, had stopped breathing.
The infant was found in critical condition, and rushed to Homerton Hospital.
Police were informed by staff at the hospital after scans showed Kaylani had suffered extensive brain damage consistent with physical abuse.
On July 9, officers attended the family home where they arrested Merthoca on suspicion of attempted murder.
In an exchange captured on body-worn video, Merthoca became angry with the arresting officers.
While being processed in police custody, she threatened to leave the country if released on bail.
In her initial police interviews, Merthoca claimed Kaylani became unwell while she was caring for her, ultimately slipping into unconsciousness and denied any assault had taken place.
Meanwhile Kalyani’s condition deteriorated over the coming weeks and a decision was made to remove life support. She was pronounced dead at around 6pm on July 23 at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
A specialist postmortem carried out on July 30 confirmed that Kaylani had died due to blunt force trauma.
A forensic pathologist found that Kaylani’s injuries could only have arisen from severe shaking.
Merthoca’s devices were seized by police, and a digital search revealed a pattern of toxic and abusive behaviour.
Detective Inspector John Marriott, from Specialist Crime North, who led the investigation, said: “Merthoca carried out a horrific assault on her own child.
“To add insult, she then spun a web of lies to the emergency services in order to cover up her responsibility.
“Though Kaylani’s life was cut short by this hideous abuse, there were relatives who loved and cared for her.
“They have been left traumatised by her killing, and our thoughts are with them at this time.
“Investigators compiled extensive digital evidence, which, coupled with overwhelming medical evidence, painted a damning picture of the defendant at trial.
“Offences against children – especially of this gravity – are some of the most difficult cases police deal with.
“The evidence here was particularly harrowing and complex, and I would like to commend the investigation team for their work bringing Merthoca to justice.”
Merthoca will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on December 15.
