Police Investigate Two Baby Deaths Linked to Letby Inquiry
The inquiry into Lucy Letby’s actions continues as police probe two baby deaths from 2015 and 2016 at Countess of Chester Hospital
Chester, UK, Lucy Letby, neonatal unit, baby deaths, police investigation
Chester: The police are still looking into two baby deaths that happened at the Countess of Chester Hospital back in 2015 and 2016. This is part of the ongoing inquiry into Lucy Letby, who has been accused of some pretty serious crimes.
According to a recent document from the inquiry, there were 13 deaths in the neonatal unit during that time, plus four more at other hospitals after babies were transferred. Out of all these cases, two are still under investigation.
Last month, it came to light that Letby, who’s now 35, was questioned in prison about these deaths and some non-fatal incidents at both the Countess of Chester and Liverpool Women’s Hospital, where she trained.
Police have been reviewing the care of around 4,000 babies who were admitted from when Letby started working in January 2012 until June 2016. They’re focusing on cases that raised medical concerns.
Letby was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven others between June 2015 and June 2016. One of her victims, known as Child K, died after Letby tampered with her breathing tube, but prosecutors said she didn’t cause that death.
Interestingly, the inquiry document also mentions nine other babies who died during that time but weren’t part of the criminal trial. The document lists various causes of death, with some citing congenital issues.
Cheshire Constabulary hasn’t commented on the inquiry document yet. After Letby’s convictions, they noted that some of the 17 deaths were no longer under investigation because a natural cause was found.
Back in 2012, three babies died in the neonatal unit, with more deaths in the following years. Letby, who hails from Hereford, is currently serving 15 life sentences after being convicted of multiple counts of murder and attempted murder, though she still claims she’s innocent.
The public inquiry, led by Lady Justice Thirlwall, is wrapping up its final week of evidence at Liverpool Town Hall, and we should see the findings published this autumn.