RAPHAEL KENNEDY OF NORTHAMPTON FOUND GUILTY OF MURDERING HIS TWO-YEAR-OLD SON IN BRUTAL ATTACK
In a tragic and disturbing case that has shocked the community of Northampton, a local drug dealer named Raphael Kennedy, aged 31, has been convicted of the heinous murder of his own two-year-old son, Dylan.The incident took place at Kennedy's flat on Arthur Street, where the young child suffered a series of devastating injuries that ultimately led to his death.
According to court proceedings, Kennedy inflicted severe physical trauma on Dylan, resulting in a total of 39 external injuries.
Among these were at least 13 fractured ribs and lacerations to the child's liver, injuries that are consistent with sustained abuse.
The toddler's condition was so grave that he succumbed on December 15, 2017.
Medical examinations revealed that Dylan had cocaine present in his bloodstream at the time of his death, along with elevated levels of cannabis, heroin, and crack cocaine found in his hair fibers.
These findings confirmed that the child had been exposed to significant drug use, which Kennedy admitted to.
During the trial, it was revealed that Kennedy had only recently discovered that Dylan was his biological son, learning this fact just 11 weeks before the child's death.
Despite this, Kennedy maintained a facade of affection, describing Dylan as “my little bestie” during his testimony and insisting he would never harm the boy.
However, evidence presented in court painted a different picture, including the presence of 'tram track bruising'—a pattern indicative of injuries caused by a straight rod or strip—suggesting that Kennedy used a weapon during the assault.
Prosecutors highlighted Kennedy's criminal background, noting his previous conviction for grievous bodily harm (GBH) after breaking the jaw of an ex-partner.
It was also disclosed that Kennedy's primary source of income was from selling heroin and crack cocaine, further emphasizing his involvement in illegal activities.
During cross-examination, Kennedy admitted that his drug dealing was his main livelihood, which added context to his lifestyle and the environment in which Dylan was living.
Kennedy was the sole caregiver at the time of the attack, and the court heard that he had left Dylan alone in his unlocked flat for a brief period—approximately 15 minutes—during which he was dealing drugs in an alleyway.
Kennedy denied responsibility for the injuries, claiming that someone else must have carried out the assault.
However, after a seven-hour deliberation, the jury at Northampton Crown Court unanimously found him guilty of murder on October 19.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for next month, where Kennedy will face the consequences of his actions in a case that has left a community in mourning and raised serious concerns about child safety and drug-related violence in Northampton.
