In a tragic case that has deeply affected many, Kara Alexander, a 47-year-old mother from Dagenham, has been sentenced to a minimum of 21 years in prison for the heinous act of drowning her two young sons, Elijah and Marley, in the bathtub of their home on Cornwallis Road. This heartbreaking incident, which occurred in December 2022, has been described by the presiding judge, Mr. Justice Bennathan, as “the stuff of nightmares.”
The court was informed that Alexander was under the influence of cannabis at the time of the act and had been experiencing “psychosis.” She was found guilty of the murders of her sons, aged two and five. During the trial, the prosecution detailed how Alexander held both boys underwater for an unthinkable duration of one to two minutes, demonstrating a deliberate act of violence against those she was meant to protect.
On the night of December 15, 2022, post-mortem examinations concluded that the boys had indeed drowned. The details surrounding their final moments are heart-wrenching, particularly since evidence suggested that both were in their pajamas and ready for bed when the tragedy unfolded. The judge underscored that Alexander had been consuming skunk cannabis every night for an extended period leading up to the event, which contributed to her mental state at the time.
Detective Chief Inspector Paul Waller from the Met Police expressed the profound sorrow experienced by the boys’ family. He acknowledged that “no amount of time will erase the pain of such a loss,” emphasizing the hope that the lengthy sentence would provide a modicum of justice amidst the overwhelming agony of losing two young children. The narrative of the family indicates that Alexander was previously perceived as a caring mother. Reports from the boys’ father revealed that she never raised her voice or exhibited physical violence towards them, raising further questions regarding the onset of her psychotic state.
During the sentencing, Mr. Justice Bennathan reiterated the severe impact of Alexander’s actions, noting the vulnerability of her sons given their young ages. He pointed out the betrayal of trust inherent in her actions; children are expected to feel safe and secure in their mother’s care. The judge stated, “You will mourn your sons for the rest of your life. Each day, when you awaken, you will remember and grieve for the little boys whose lives you snatched away.”
The heartbreaking case developed further when the boys’ father, concerned about their safety, arrived at their home to find Alexander had claimed they were asleep upstairs. However, he discovered the tragic truth when he went to check; the boys were found unresponsive in their shared lower bunk, having passed away several hours prior.
The implications of this case resonate beyond the immediate tragedy, serving as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of untreated mental health issues, particularly those exacerbated by substance abuse. As Alexander begins her lengthy prison sentence, there is a sense of hope that the surviving family members may eventually find solace in cherishing the memories of the young boys, while the shadow of their loss is felt evermore in their absence.