Killer nurse suffocated daughter, two, to death in twisted ‘revenge’ for losing custody battle with ex-partner
A NURSE suffocated her toddler daughter to death in a twisted act of revenge after losing a custody battle with her ex-partner.
Shilyrand Charigwati, 30, used a plastic bag to murder two-year-old Roselyn at her home in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.
She then tried to claim she had “no recollection” of killing her daughter and blamed mental health issues.
But police discovered Charigwati had separated from Roselyn’s father and had lost custody of her daughter.
Jailing the nurse for life with a minimum of 16 years, Mrs Justice Williams said “spousal revenge” was a factor in the horror.
The judge added: “Rose was extremely vulnerable due to her age.
“This was a shocking abuse of trust.”
Luton Crown Court heard the horror unfolded just months after Charigwati lost custody of Roselyn.
A few days before she murdered her daughter, neighbours said the nurse appeared to be “tired of life”.
The court that until the “terrible incident”, Charigwati had been a “loving and devoted” mum.
But she said she had showed an “unusual” amount of “anger” towards Roselyn’s dad following the family court proceedings.
This rage turned violent when Charigwati suffocated the toddler before ringing police to say she may have killed her daughter.
Roselyn was rushed to hospital but she tragically could not be saved and was declared dead on April 14 last year.
Charigwati initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
She claimed she was suffering from a mental health condition but prosecutors said she had a “mild to moderate” depressive illness.
John Price KC argued this was not enough to impair Charigwati’s ability to make a “rational judgment”.
Jurors agreed and the mum was found guilty of murder following a trial.
In a moving tribute, Roselyn’s dad, Washington, said “no words” could express his pain.
He said the youngster was “joyful, funny, playful, beautiful, and so full of love”.
The dad added: “She was the kind of daughter every parent would dream of having. She touched so many hearts wherever we went, and everyone adored her.
“Every part of being her dad was amazing.
“As her father, the pain of losing Roselyn is something I carry with me every single day.
“But so is the joy of having known her, held her, and loved her unconditionally. She is with me always.”