WOMAN GUILTY OF MURDERING SON
A woman has been convicted of the murder of her one-year-old son after a thorough and sensitive investigation conducted by Essex Police detectives.Emma Barnett, residing on Chester Road in Debden, denied killing Oakley but was found guilty today (Thursday, 28 May) after an 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
Emergency responders responded to her residence on Friday, 8 November 2024, amid concerns for both her safety and that of her son.
Initially, they were reported as missing, with reports indicating that Barnett might have taken Oakley to Epping Forest.
Later that evening, authorities forced entry into her home and discovered Barnett in the loft with Oakley, who refused to come down.
After discussions with Barnett, officers grew increasingly worried about Oakley's wellbeing.
They entered the loft forcibly, leading to both Barnett and Oakley being transported to hospital for urgent care.
Tragically, Oakley passed away in December 2024 despite medical efforts.
Barnett was treated and then arrested on suspicion of murder in January 2025.
In a detailed investigation, Barnett was questioned in June 2025; she chose not to respond to any questions but was formally charged with murder.
Jury testimony revealed she was scheduled to attend a legal hearing regarding Oakley, who was under an interim care order, on the day they went missing.
Barnett maintained she did not intentionally kill Oakley, yet the jury did not believe her and convicted her after six hours of deliberation.
