Emma Barnett, 36, has been convicted of murdering her 14-month-old son, Oakley, after deliberately giving him a fatal mixture of prescription medications. Following a family court ruling on November 8, 2024, that Oakley should be taken into care, Barnett vanished and was initially reported missing. Police first believed she had gone into nearby Epping Forest but later discovered she had parked there and returned to her home in Debden, Essex.
Officers forcibly entered Barnett’s residence and found her hiding in the loft, clutching Oakley. During the police confrontation, she admitted she had wanted them to believe she was in the forest to allow her to remain indoors with her son. The Crown Prosecution Service revealed that Barnett had prepared a bottle containing a mixture of milk and prescription drugs, which she fed to Oakley.
When police arrived, they communicated with Barnett by phone through the loft hatch. She initially claimed Oakley was sleeping before confessing, “I have killed him.” Despite emergency medical care, Oakley died on New Year’s Eve 2024.
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The court heard that Barnett intentionally administered medication prescribed to her, with the intention of killing Oakley. She denied murder during her 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court but admitted her intent was to take her own life, fearing Oakley would be taken from her by police. She explained that hiding in the loft was an attempt to prolong the time she had left with her son.
Investigators found two baby bottles in the loft containing liquids testing positive for promethazine, an antihistamine known to cause sedation, and mirtazapine, an antidepressant. Expert testimony confirmed that combined, these medications could cause respiratory failure.
Senior Crown Prosecutor Nicola Pope stated, “Emma Barnett deliberately gave her baby son a dangerous mixture containing medication which proved fatal. Our prosecution case relied on detailed police and expert medical evidence to establish how Oakley died. We hope this verdict brings some measure of peace to Oakley’s family during this deeply distressing time.”
Jurors reached a guilty verdict after six hours of deliberation. Barnett will be sentenced on June 5. Detective Inspector James Holmes of Essex Police described the investigation as “extremely upsetting and difficult” and extended condolences to Oakley’s loved ones.