Man, 24, is found guilty of murdering girlfriend’s three-month-old son after ‘snapping’ when baby wouldn’t stop crying
Tyla Wharmby, 24, has been convicted of murdering his girlfriend’s three-month-old son, Hunter Hodges, and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. Canterbury Crown Court heard that Wharmby was caring for the baby overnight when he inflicted a fatal head injury; Hunter died later that day, and the case highlights the severe harm caused to a very young, vulnerable child.
Hunter was 12 weeks old, had been born prematurely and weighed just over 10lb. Medical experts found a fractured skull, brain swelling and evidence of an earlier brain bleed, while injuries were consistent with violent shaking; the baby had also been taken to hospital several times in the weeks before his death. Wharmby denied the charges, but a majority jury found him guilty after hearing that digital and forensic evidence contradicted his account of events.
In short
- Tyla Wharmby was convicted of murder and grievous bodily harm.
- Hunter Hodges died from severe head injuries aged 12 weeks.
- Medical evidence indicated earlier injuries and violent shaking.
Explained simply
Hunter Hodges was 12 weeks old and had been born prematurely. At that age, babies depend entirely on adults for care and cannot protect themselves or explain what has happened to them.
Tyla Wharmby was the partner of Hunter’s mother and was looking after him overnight. The case involved medical evidence about Hunter’s head injuries and evidence used to assess Wharmby’s account of events. His earlier hospital visits were also part of the background heard in court.
The case matters because it concerns the safety of very young children in the care of adults. It also shows how medical, digital and forensic evidence can help courts examine what happened when a baby cannot speak for himself.