A mother has appeared in court charged with the murder of her 18-day-old daughter, who fell to her death from a window in a tragic incident that has shocked the community. Zahira Byjaouane, 43, attended Westminster Magistrates' Court on Monday, where she was not required to enter a plea during the brief hearing.
Byjaouane spoke only to confirm her personal details, including her name, date of birth, and address, in a session that lasted just minutes. As she entered and exited the dock, she waved to loved ones seated in the public gallery, a poignant moment in the sombre proceedings.
Police Response and Scene Investigation
Emergency services were called to Horseferry Road in Westminster, London, on Saturday following reports of a baby falling from a height. The newborn girl was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, marking a devastating outcome for the family.
In the aftermath, forensic officers were seen working diligently at the scene. An officer in a blue forensic suit was observed in a grey van parked nearby, while two forensic specialists conducted investigations in a third-floor flat on Saturday evening. The street, which houses several government buildings including the Department for Transport's offices, was temporarily closed to traffic as authorities secured the area.
Community Tributes and Legal Proceedings
By Sunday morning, a police cordon had been lifted, allowing members of the public to leave floral tributes and a toy animal near the Peabody Estate building. These gestures of sympathy underscored the profound impact of the infant's death on the local community.
During the court hearing, Judge John Zani determined that the case was too serious to be handled at the magistrates' level. Consequently, it was referred to the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court, where Byjaouane is scheduled to appear on Wednesday, March 18. Judge Zani emphasised that bail was not an option in this court due to the grave nature of the allegations, stating, 'It is in custody by reason of the nature of the allegations. Bail does not arise in this court.'
Background and Police Appeal
According to Byjaouane's LinkedIn profile, she worked as a clinical coordinator at Harley Street from 2024 until 2025. Prior to this role, she held positions as an associate practitioner and laboratory assistant at three London hospitals, highlighting a background in healthcare.
Detective Chief Inspector Alison Foxwell, leading the Metropolitan Police investigation, expressed condolences, saying, 'Our thoughts today are with the baby's family. The death of an infant is always an extremely tragic occurrence, and officers are making urgent enquiries around the circumstances.' She added that while the incident is believed to have occurred within a domestic context, authorities are actively appealing for any information from the public to aid their investigation.
The case continues to unfold as legal proceedings advance, with the community and authorities alike seeking answers in this heart-wrenching tragedy.
