TAI-ZAMARAI YASHARAHYALAH AND PARENTS FROM BIRMINGHAM AND COVENTRY SENTENCED FOR CHILD'S DEATH AND BURIAL

The tragic case of a young boy’s death has culminated in the conviction and sentencing of his parents, who were found guilty of causing his death and concealing his remains in their garden. The incident unfolded in the Handsworth area, with the parents, including music producer Tai-Zamarai Yasharahyalah, aged 42, facing justice after a lengthy investigation.

In December 2022, authorities uncovered the disturbing truth when they discovered the boy’s body buried in the garden of the family’s residence. The child, identified as Abiyah, was believed to have died approximately three years earlier, sometime between December 2019 and January 2020, when he was around three years and nine months old. The parents, citing cultural reasons, had not registered his death, which delayed the discovery of his fate.

The case came to light after detectives reviewed social media videos posted in 2016, some titled “like father, like son,” which showed Tai-Zamarai Yasharahyalah with a young child. When questioned about their son’s whereabouts, the parents admitted that Abiyah had been unwell and had died, but they did not disclose the circumstances surrounding his death.

Following the discovery of the remains, a forensic archaeological examination was conducted on the garden site. The post-mortem analysis revealed that Abiyah had suffered from severe malnutrition, rickets, anemia, stunted growth, and bone deformities. His bones showed signs of fractures, and he had severe dental decay, poor immunity, and a painful condition where his bones failed to fuse properly after fractures. Despite the thorough investigation, the exact cause of death remained undetermined.

After their eviction from their Handsworth home in early 2022, the parents moved into a shipping container in the southwest area before relocating to a caravan. Their movements did not prevent their arrest; on December 9, 2022, they were taken into custody and subsequently charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, neglect, and perverting the course of justice.

Detective Inspector Joe Davenport, leading the investigation, expressed his dismay at the neglect shown by the parents. “In Abiyah’s short life, his parents failed to provide the most basic of care—adequate food and medical attention. Instead, they chose to hide him from authorities, prioritizing their cultural practices over his well-being,” he stated.

He further explained that medical experts testified during the trial that Abiyah would have been in significant pain, suffering from untreated tooth decay and unassessed bone fractures. The parents rejected Western medicine, and as a result, Abiyah was never properly checked or treated during his formative years. Although they claimed ignorance of his malnutrition, examinations of his body revealed that he was severely underdeveloped for his age.

DI Davenport concluded, “This has been a heartbreaking case for everyone involved in the investigation. I am relieved that justice has been served for little Abiyah, and hope this case raises awareness about the importance of proper care and cultural sensitivity.”