TRAGIC CHESTERFIELD BABY FINLEY BODEN MURDERED BY PARENTS STEPHEN BODEN AND SHANNON MARSDEN

In a heartbreaking case that has shocked the community of Chesterfield, a young child named Finley Boden was subjected to unimaginable cruelty at the hands of his own parents, Stephen Boden and Shannon Marsden. The tragic events unfolded during the winter of 2020, a period marked by the COVID-19 lockdown, which saw Finley’s life cut short just 39 days after he was returned to his parents' care.

Finley's death was the culmination of a series of severe injuries inflicted upon him in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day. The prosecution, led by Mary Prior KC, detailed how the toddler had suffered an appalling array of injuries, including 57 fractures—most notably 45 rib fractures—along with multiple burns and a staggering 71 bruises. These injuries were not isolated incidents but part of a pattern of repeated acts of violence that culminated in his tragic demise.

The injuries sustained by Finley were extensive and devastating. He had a broken shoulder, a fractured arm, a shattered shinbone, and a thigh bone broken in four places. His pelvis was fractured in two locations, likely from sustained kicking or stamping. Medical examinations also revealed that he had developed pneumonia, endocarditis—an inflammation of the heart lining—and sepsis, all of which contributed to his fragile condition.

During the trial at Derby Crown Court, prosecutor Mary Prior described the case as involving a “savage and brutal murder of a baby boy.” The court heard that Finley's pelvis had been broken in two places, with evidence suggesting this could have resulted from sustained kicking or stamping. Additionally, he bore two burns on his left hand—one from a hot, flat surface and another probably from a cigarette lighter flame. These injuries, along with the numerous bruises and fractures, painted a disturbing picture of ongoing abuse.

On Christmas Day 2020, Finley's life came to a tragic end when he suffered a cardiac arrest at the family’s terraced home on Holland Road in Old Whittington, Derbyshire. Emergency services were called at 2:33 am, and paramedics rushed to the scene. Despite their efforts to save him, Finley was pronounced dead at 3:45 am. The court was told that only hours after his death, Stephen Boden was heard telling Shannon Marsden at the hospital that he planned to sell Finley's pushchair on eBay. Boden later claimed he made this remark to lighten the mood, but it was viewed as a chilling indication of his attitude towards the child's death.

Further revelations emerged during the trial, including Marsden’s admission while visiting Finley's body in a hospital chapel of rest on January 11, 2021. She stated, “His dad’s battered him to death. I didn’t protect him.” The court also heard Boden’s inconsistent explanations for Finley's injuries. He claimed that the family dog might have “jumped on” Finley, causing some of the fractures, and that a tear inside Finley's mouth was due to him hitting himself with a rattle. Additionally, Boden admitted to telling police he may have “rocked” Finley “too hard,” which could have accidentally caused some injuries, but insisted it was never an intentional act of harm.

Investigations revealed disturbing communications from the couple. On December 6, 2020, their phone was used to search for a women’s refuge in Chesterfield. Just days later, at nearly 5 am on December 12, Marsden sent a series of distressing text messages to a relative, apologizing for the situation and expressing her desire for a “nice happy family Christmas,” which she acknowledged was unlikely to happen. She also expressed feelings of despair and frustration, indicating a turbulent home environment.

Further alarming messages were exchanged in the following days. On December 14, Marsden sent a message asking a relative to “have the baby before Friday,” implying she wanted to arrange Finley's removal from the home. Just nine days before his death, she sent another message stating, “You’re not having him tomorrow,” suggesting that she believed no one was seeing Finley at that time. The phone searches also included articles about children killed for crying too much and a “Derby mum who killed her baby,” highlighting the disturbing mindset and possible intentions of the parents.

In the days leading up to Finley's death, Marsden reportedly told a relative to “get the police to mine,” claiming she was scared of Stephen and that he had hit her again, warning that he might kill her. A social worker’s report had recommended a six-month transition period for Finley’s return to his parents, but only eight weeks were granted, despite concerns about the safety and well-being of the child.

Both Stephen Boden, of Romford Way in Barrow Hill, Chesterfield, and Shannon Marsden, who had no fixed address, denied charges of murder, child cruelty, and causing or allowing the child’s death. Marsden claimed Boden was responsible for the injuries, while Boden admitted to possibly “rocking” Finley “too hard,” but insisted it was accidental and not intended to harm.

As the trial concluded, the court heard that the pair would face sentencing at a later date. The judge, Mrs. Justice Tipples, expressed her deep emotional response, thanking the jury for their “extremely impressive” conduct and discharging them from jury service for life due to the severity of the case. The courtroom was filled with visible emotion, with several jurors in tears as the verdicts were read, while the defendants sat silently, arms folded, in the dock.

Today, police released images depicting the deplorable conditions of Finley's home in Chesterfield. The photographs showed cluttered surroundings, unwashed pots and pans, toys and bags strewn into the bathtub, and a bedside table littered with cigarette butts and empty energy drink cans. A feeding bottle was found with mold inside, and stains marred the bedsheets. Medical personnel who responded to the scene observed Finley being resuscitated on the kitchen floor, noting his dirty clothing, unclean hands and nails, and fresh scrapes on his nose and nostrils, all indicative of neglect and abuse during his brief life with his parents.