A London-based couple have been sentenced to prison for the death of their eight-month-old son, who suffered more than 80 injuries in the weeks before he died. Emmanuel Turner, 33, was convicted of murdering his son, Devaun Rose-Turner, and received a 22-year sentence. The child's mother, Shandies Rose, 29, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 12 years, according to the BBC.
Details of the Case
The couple were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday for the death of Devaun, who died in December 2021 at their home in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire. Emergency services were called after Turner reported that his son was not breathing. Devaun was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after arrival.
During the sentencing hearing, Mrs Justice Farbey highlighted the infant's significant suffering and criticized both parents for failing to seek medical treatment. "You both knew about his pain. Both of you decided to keep it hidden so he received no medical help," the judge told them.
Pattern of Abuse
The court heard that Devaun endured a "catalogue of injuries", with more than 80 separate injuries recorded during the eight weeks leading up to his death. Prosecutors stated that the injuries indicated a sustained pattern of abuse.
Following Devaun's death, Bedfordshire Police launched an extensive investigation. Turner and Rose were arrested on suspicion of murder in 2022 but were released under investigation while detectives gathered further evidence. Police later discovered that the couple had traveled to Nigeria while the investigation was ongoing. When they returned to the UK in May 2024, officers arrested them at the airport, and they were subsequently charged.
Convictions and Sentencing
Both Turner and Rose were also convicted of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harm. Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who led the investigation, described the case as complex and deeply challenging.
"From the outset, our focus was on establishing exactly what happened to Devaun and securing justice for him, with our team working tirelessly to ensure he was given a voice," Martin said. "Nothing can undo what happened to him, but today's sentence reflects the persistence of our officers in ensuring that those who should have cared for and protected him have been held accountable for the abuse he suffered."
He added that the force's thoughts remained with Devaun.
