Mother Found Guilty of Murders of Her Two Sons in East London

Kara Alexander convicted of killing Marley, five, and Elijah, two, whose bodies were discovered by their father.

Kara Alexander, 47, has been convicted of the murders of her two young sons, Marley, aged five, and Elijah, aged two, at their family home in Dagenham, East London.

The children were discovered deceased in their bunk beds by their father, Selvin Thomas, in December 2022.

The prosecution established that Alexander either smothered or drowned her sons.

The court was informed that Mr. Thomas, who had separated from Alexander three months prior, became worried when he did not receive a response from her regarding their planned visit that weekend.

Upon arriving at the home, Mr. Thomas reported that Alexander told him the children were asleep upstairs and subsequently closed the door on him.

Prosecutor Philip Evans, KC, described how Mr. Thomas forced the door open only to find it barricaded with toys.

He then proceeded to the children’s bedroom, where he found their bodies together on the lower bunk bed.

Mr. Evans narrated Mr. Thomas's chilling discovery, noting that the boys appeared to be sleeping, with only their faces visible above the duvet.

On touching Marley’s face, Mr. Thomas recognized that he was cold and lifeless, realizing that the boys had been dead for some time.

At the time of her arrest, approximately one hour after Mr. Thomas discovered the boys, Alexander initially claimed that they had drowned in the bath.

She later said she had left them unattended while she smoked cannabis.

Following a trial at Kingston Crown Court, the jury found her guilty of the charges.

Samantha Yelland, a senior Crown prosecutor in the CPS London Homicide Unit, expressed condolences to the family, highlighting the devastation caused by the loss of the two children.

She reflected on the role of parents in ensuring their children’s safety and lamented Alexander's failure to protect theirs.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller, who oversaw the investigation, acknowledged the profound impact on the family, particularly on Mr. Thomas, who faced the traumatic experience of finding his sons dead.

He also commended the emergency responders present at the scene for their professionalism in handling such a harrowing situation.

The case has raised significant discussions surrounding child safety and parental responsibility.