Nurse Shilyrand Charigwati, 30, was jailed for life at Luton Crown Court after suffocating her two-year-old daughter Roselyn who she had lost custody of months previously
A nurse who suffocated her toddler daughter in an act of “spousal revenge” has been jailed for life for the sick crime. Shilyrand Charigwati, 30, lost custody of two-year-old Roselyn to her ex-partner months before the horror incident.
In April last year, the rage she had experienced in losing her daughter turned brutal when she suffocated the little girl, before calling paramedics who rushed her to hospital. Tragically, she could not be saved. The mum was arrested and initially pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility, but at Luton Crown Court this week was found guilty of murder and jailed for life.
She claimed she was suffering from a mental health condition, but prosecutors argued she had a “mild to moderate” depressive illness that was not enough to impair her ability to make a “rational judgment”.
Charigwati will serve at least 16 years. Roselyn’s father Washington said in a moving tribute: “Roselyn was joyful, funny, playful, beautiful, and so full of love. She was the kind of daughter every parent would dream of having.
“She touched so many hearts wherever we went, and everyone adored her. Her smile could light up any room, and her laughter continues to echo in the hearts of those who knew her.
“She loved nursery school and playing outside, especially zipping around on the scooter she had just learned to ride. Bubble baths were another favourite, so much so that it was often a challenge getting her out of them.
“As her father, the pain of losing Roselyn is something I carry with me every single day. But so is the joy of having known her, held her, and loved her unconditionally. She is with me always — in the quiet moments, in the sunlight, in every breath. Roselyn may have left this world too soon, but her spirit lives on in every memory, every tear, and every smile she inspired.”
An investigation was launched by the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit after the two-year-old died in hospital on Sunday 14 April, 2024, following an incident at Charigwati’s address.
Detective Inspector Justine Jenkins, who led the investigation said: “First and foremost, our thoughts remain with Roselyn, whose life was so cruelly taken at a young age. We also extend our heartfelt condolences to her father and wider family, who are still trying to come to terms with their unimaginable loss.
“This has been a distressing case for all concerned, from the handler who took the initial call, to the officers and paramedics who attended and the dedicated team of detectives who have investigated. It has also had a devastating effect on the local community who have, understandably, been left in shock.
“Despite the verdict, there are no positives here, but I would like to commend everyone involved for their efforts throughout what has been a very upsetting case.”
