Couple Sentenced to Life for Murdering Their 13-Week-Old Son
A husband and wife have been handed life sentences for the murder of their 13-week-old baby son, with newly released police bodycam footage capturing the chilling moments following the infant's fatal injuries. Klevi Pirjani, 37, and Nivalda Pirjani, 34, were found guilty of murdering their son Miguel Pirjani, who died in November 2024 after what prosecutors described as systematic abuse by his parents.
Brutal Injuries and Fatal Assault
Miguel Pirjani was left with numerous broken bones and a catastrophic bleed on the brain, having apparently endured repeated assaults during his tragically short life. Medical examinations revealed he suffered a fractured skull and ribs, with injuries of varying ages indicating prolonged mistreatment. The baby passed away at Alder Hey Hospital in Liverpool on November 29, 2024, five days after being found unresponsive at the family home in Seacombe, Wirral.
During sentencing at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, High Court judge Mr Justice Baker stated: 'The best of medical science could not save Miguel Pirjani. He died from the irreversible effects of severe trauma to the head and neck.' The judge emphasized that the fatal injuries likely resulted from a heavy blow or series of blows to the right side of Miguel's head, though the exact method remained unclear.
Sentencing and Emotional Reactions
Nivalda Pirjani received a life sentence with a minimum term of 15 years and three months imprisonment, showing no visible reaction as the verdict was delivered. Klevi Pirjani was told he must serve at least 19 years before being considered for release, appearing to wipe away tears during the proceedings. The couple had each attempted to blame the other for their son's death during the trial.
Mr Justice Baker described the murder as an 'abuse of power and gross abuse of trust of the bond between a baby and parents', noting that the couple's relationship had taken precedence over their parental responsibilities. He suggested there had been an escalation in violence against Miguel during his final days.
Chilling Evidence and 999 Call
Newly released police bodycam footage shows Nivalda Pirjani being interviewed by officers after Miguel was discovered fatally injured. In the video, she can be heard asking 'what are the injuries' before a police officer details the extensive wounds. A separate audio recording captures Klevi Pirjani's calm 999 call in which he reports having a 'three-month young one that just stopped breathing' and 'not reacting at all'.
Prosecutor Peter Wright KC highlighted that Klevi had curiously referred to his son as 'it' during the emergency call, stating: 'It is a matter for you to consider in due course as to whether this was a product of distress on his part, a language barrier or an unintended indication of his attitude towards Miguel.'
Systematic Abuse and Medical Evidence
Medical tests revealed Miguel had sustained bruising on the left side of his head, a skull fissure, bleeding on the brain, and fractures to his right collarbone, left upper arm, and left shin. A post-mortem examination discovered additional injuries including retinal haemorrhages, displaced skull bones, bleeding on both sides of the brain, and a fatal hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.
Mr Wright told the court: 'We say that Miguel was systematically physically abused by his parents. They caused him really serious non-fatal injury with intent so to do. They caused or allowed his death.' The prosecutor emphasized that the rib fractures were not consistent with CPR efforts, as suggested by the defence.
Conflicting Accounts and Trial Testimony
During the trial, Nivalda Pirjani claimed her husband had been abusive and violent, alleging he had 'lost control' before headbutting and kicking their son. She described an incident where Klevi allegedly held Miguel by the hips and banged him repeatedly against a bed and floor when the baby struggled to feed. Nivalda stated she had been too frightened to intervene properly, saying: 'I just took Miguel from his hands, pushed Klevi away.'
Klevi Pirjani denied all allegations, describing himself as 'the best dad in the world' and emotionally declaring: 'How can I harm my son? I never would do that. I love my son so much.' He maintained that he had no knowledge of how Miguel's injuries occurred.
Text Message Evidence and Previous Conviction
The court heard about a text message sent from Klevi to Nivalda prior to Miguel's death in which he wrote 'I'm feeding your bishe'. While Klevi claimed this meant 'hero' in Albanian, the prosecution suggested it actually translated to 'monster' or 'beast'. The jury also learned that Klevi had previously been convicted of a violent offence in 2016 after initially denying the charge.
Miguel had spent the first six weeks of his life in hospital due to medical issues and continued to struggle with feeding after being discharged. The court heard that Nivalda had suffered from postnatal depression and was estranged from her family, though the judge noted this provided only limited mitigation given the severity of the crime.
