A couple who fled from the United Kingdom to Nigeria while under investigation for the murder of their eight-month-old son have been jailed over his death.
Devaun Rose-Turner had suffered more than 80 separate injuries during the eight weeks leading up to his death in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, in December 2021.
His father, 34-year-old Emmanuel Turner, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 22 years for the murder of his son, while the mother, 29-year-old Shandies Rose, was cleared of murder but convicted of manslaughter and jailed for 12 years.
In sentencing the pair, the judge, the Honourable Mrs Justice Farbey KC, said: “Both of you knew about his pain.
Both of you decided to keep it hidden so he received no medical help.”
Luton Crown Court heard that emergency services were called to the family home at around 7am on 11 December 2021 after Turner reported Devaun was not breathing.
He was taken to hospital but died later that morning.
Medical examinations found that the youngster had suffered extensive injuries during repeated episodes of physical abuse which took place over several weeks, including just hours before his death, prompting a murder investigation.
Detectives established that Devaun had been in the sole care of his parents throughout that period.
The pair were arrested on suspicion of murder in 2022 but were released under investigation as detectives continued to build the evidential case.
They eventually returned to the UK on 10 May 2025, where they were met by arresting officers at the airport and subsequently charged and remanded into custody.
Turner and Rose, both of London, were also both convicted of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harm, receiving concurrent sentences of eight years and seven years respectively.
Det Insp Lee Martin said: “This was a complex and deeply challenging investigation into the sustained abuse and tragic death of a baby behind closed doors.“
He noted that the team worked tirelessly to ensure Devaun was given a voice and that the sentence reflects the persistence of officers in holding those who should have protected him accountable.
“Our thoughts will always remain with Devaun – sleep well, little man,” the detective added.
