Crime · 15 March, 2026 · 2 min read
Zahira Byjaouane Charged With Murder Of 18-Day-Old Baby In Westminster
Zahira Byjaouane, 43, of Westminster, charged with murdering an 18-day-old baby. Infant fell from a height at a residential property and died in hospital.
Descriptive terminology for the victim; 18-day-old baby girl vs baby daughter.
7 of 8 outlets skipped it: a domestic context is suggested for the incident by some sources..
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Same story, two versions
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GGuardian
“The newborn was treated at the scene and taken to a major trauma centre, but was later pronounced dead.”
Sky News
“An 18-day-old baby girl was taken to hospital, where she was pronounced dead.”Read the original ↗
Shows how outlets differ in describing the casualty's treatment location and the incident context (trauma care vs. domestic context), which can influence readers' perception of immediacy and causation.
Charges and Incident Details
Zahira Byjaouane, a 43-year-old mother, has been formally charged with the murder of her 18-day-old baby daughter. The incident occurred at a residential property in Westminster, central London, on Horseferry Road. The Metropolitan Police responded to reports of an infant falling from height at approximately 7:30am on Saturday morning.
“A mother has been charged with murdering her 18-day-old baby girl, who fell from a height at a property in central London. Zahira Byjaouane, 43, was arrested on Saturday morning after reports that a baby had fallen from a property on Horseferry Road in Westminster. The newborn was treated at the scene and taken to a major trauma centre, but was later pronounced dead.”
Despite receiving emergency treatment at the scene, the newborn baby girl was transported to a major trauma centre. The baby was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Byjaouane, who resides at the Horseferry Road address, was arrested on Saturday morning.
She was subsequently charged with murder on Sunday before being remanded in custody. She is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday.
Police Investigation
The police investigation into the tragic incident has been ongoing since Saturday morning. Forensic officers have been conducting examinations at the scene. Metropolitan Police officers established a cordon around the Peabody Estate building on Horseferry Road.
The police cordon was later lifted by Sunday morning. Detectives from the specialized homicide unit have been actively working to establish the full circumstances. Police have publicly appealed for anyone with information to come forward.
The investigation has focused on the third-floor flat where the incident occurred. Forensic teams were observed working on Saturday evening to gather evidence.
Legal Proceedings
Zahira Byjaouane is identified as residing at the Horseferry Road address where the incident occurred. She is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, March 16, 2026. The 43-year-old mother has been formally remanded in custody.
“Zahira Byjaouane, 43, of Horseferry Road, has been charged with murder and remanded in custody. She is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday (March 16).”
She was arrested and subsequently charged with murder. Legal proceedings are expected to focus on establishing the precise circumstances. Prosecutors will likely present evidence from the ongoing police investigation.
The case involves the death of a newborn, which has drawn significant attention. Both law enforcement and the public are following the case closely.
Community Response
Local residents and members of the public have expressed sorrow and shock at the baby's death. On Sunday morning, mourners placed flowers near the Peabody Estate building. A toy animal was also left as a tribute.
These tributes reflect the community's reaction to the heartbreaking circumstances. The Metropolitan Police continue to appeal for witnesses. Detectives are working to piece together the sequence of events.
The baby fell from height at the central London address. The investigation remains ongoing as police seek additional information.