A mother and her former partner have been convicted of killing her two-year-old son, Kyrell Matthews, following weeks of violent abuse. The toddler was found in cardiac arrest at a home in Thornton Heath, south London, in October 2019, with 41 rib fractures and internal injuries.
Phylesia Shirley, 24, was found guilty of manslaughter, while Kemar Brown was convicted of murder at the Old Bailey. The court heard harrowing audio recordings made by Shirley, which captured Brown repeatedly hitting Kyrell and telling him to 'shut up'. On one occasion, Brown inflicted several blows before saying, 'You have to ruin the fun.'
Prosecutor Edward Brown QC said Shirley had prioritised her relationship with Brown over her child's welfare, leading to catastrophic abuse. The trial heard that Kyrell had suffered injuries in at least five incidents in the four weeks before his death, including a cut to his liver and internal bleeding.
Shirley had claimed the rib fractures were caused by CPR she performed after Kyrell became 'floppy'. However, the prosecution argued the injuries were the result of repeated abuse. Brown's defence suggested incorrect resuscitation advice, but this was rejected by the jury.
Detective Chief Inspector Kate Kieran described the audio evidence as 'harrowing' and unprecedented in her experience. Senior Crown Prosecutor Samantha Yelland added that those meant to protect Kyrell were instead responsible for his death. Both Shirley and Brown declined to give evidence in their defence.
