The family of a 14-month-old boy who was murdered by his mother has spoken of their enduring grief for the memories they will never create with him. Oakley Barnett was fatally poisoned by his mother, Emma Barnett, 36, at their home in Loughton, Essex, just hours after a judge ruled he should be taken into care.
Police discovered Barnett hiding in her loft with the toddler after concerns were raised for their welfare. Oakley was rushed to hospital but tragically died on New Year's Eve in 2024.
Heartbroken relatives paid tribute to the "beautiful" boy who "lit up the room" and "captured the hearts of everyone who met him." In a statement, they said: "Oakley filled every room with light, laughter, and love. With his beautiful curly hair and huge blue eyes, he captured the hearts of everyone who met him. His smile could brighten even the darkest day, and his gentle spirit brought so much happiness to our family.
"Oakley loved watching Trolls, and there was something magical about seeing his face light up with excitement whenever his favourite characters appeared on the screen. Those simple moments, full of wonder and joy, are memories we will treasure forever. Though he was only with us for a short time, Oakley filled our hearts.
"We will forever miss his cuddles, his laughter, and the happiness he brought into our lives. While our hearts ache with the loss of him, we are grateful for every second we were blessed to spend with him. Our beautiful boy will always be loved, always be remembered, and always remain a part of us. Though we cannot hold him in our arms, we carry him in our hearts every day.
"We will forever grieve the memories we won't get to make, the milestones we won't get to witness, and the future that should have been his. But while Oakley was taken from our lives, he will never be taken from our hearts. His memory lives on in every story we share, every tear we cry, and every smile that comes from remembering that beautiful little boy. Forever 14 months old. Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever our Oakley. Sleep peacefully, sweet Oakley. You were deeply loved, and you always will be."
In a separate tribute, Oakley's father said: "While I never got given the opportunity to get to know Oakley and experience the joy he brought to everyone else's lives, I wish I could have had the chance to experience that bond with him and get to learn of all of his favourite things and see the infectious smile those that got to spend that short time with him did. I will forever have that ache in my heart of never being able to have that father-son bond with him or be able to kick a ball together. I will forever love my little boy and miss him deeply."
Barnett was convicted of Oakley's death following an 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court on May 28. The trial heard that Barnett had collected medication from a pharmacy on November 8, 2024, the same day a family court hearing ruled the toddler should be removed from her care. Upon learning that Oakley would be taken into care, she left the hearing and was later reported missing. That same day, officers forced their way into her home and found her hiding in the loft with Oakley. She initially said he was sleeping, before telling officers: "I have killed him." Both were taken to hospital, but despite the best efforts of medical staff, Oakley sadly died. Barnett is due to be sentenced at Cambridge Crown Court on Friday.
