“A Mother’s Betrayal: The Tragic Death of Baby Kaylani”

London has been shaken by the heartbreaking story of three-month-old Kaylani Kalanzi, whose short life ended in tragedy after she suffered devastating injuries at the hands of her own mother.
Nazli Merthoca, 24, was found guilty of manslaughter at the Old Bailey after her daughter died from traumatic brain injuries caused by severe shaking. Baby Kaylani passed away at Great Ormond Street Hospital in July 2024, weeks after the assault that changed her life forever.

On the morning of July 8, 2024, Merthoca called paramedics to her home, claiming that her baby had suddenly stopped breathing. But the truth was far darker. Medical scans revealed that the infant had extensive brain damage, along with eye injuries and fractures to her ribs and legs, consistent with violent shaking. Despite emergency care, little Kaylani’s condition worsened, and after days on life support, doctors made the heartbreaking decision to let her go on July 23, 2024.

 “A Family in Crisis and a System Under Strain”

The court heard that Kaylani was already on a child protection plan and had been known to social services since birth. Born prematurely, she had spent 29 days in special care before being released home. Social workers had allowed her parents — Merthoca and her partner Herbert Kalanzi, 35 — to care for her after they appeared to show signs of improvement as a couple.

But their relationship was described in court as “mutually abusive”, leaving the vulnerable baby caught in a cycle of neglect and violence. Prosecutors said the pair’s volatile relationship made their social services reintegration plan “doomed to fail.”
Kalanzi was later cleared of all charges, including murder and manslaughter, but the jury heard that he and Merthoca often prioritized their conflict over the wellbeing of their daughter.

When arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, Merthoca initially lied to police and paramedics, spinning “a web of deceit” to deflect blame. She even threatened to flee the country if released on bail. Investigators later uncovered digital evidence and medical testimony that proved overwhelming in showing the deliberate nature of the assault.

“Justice for Kaylani: Remembering a Short, Precious Life”

Detective Inspector John Marriott, who led the investigation, described the case as “one of the most harrowing” his team had ever faced.
He said: “Merthoca carried out a horrific assault on her own child and then spun a web of lies to hide her guilt. Though Kaylani’s life was cut short by this hideous abuse, there were relatives who loved and cared deeply for her. They have been left traumatised by her killing.”

The tragic story of baby Kaylani is a haunting reminder of the need for vigilance, compassion, and better support systems for at-risk children and families. Her short life touched many hearts, and though her time on earth was brief, her memory stands as a symbol of innocence lost and justice sought.

Nazli Merthoca will be sentenced at the Old Bailey on December 15, where the court will determine the punishment for a mother whose actions shocked an entire nation.