Emma Barnett sentenced to life for infant murder in Essex

A woman has been sentenced to life in prison for murdering her infant son by administering a lethal mixture of prescription drugs and milk. Emma Barnett, 36, of Debden, Essex, received a minimum term of 22 years at Cambridge Crown Court on June 5.

The court heard that Barnett’s actions followed a family court hearing on November 8, 2024, which resulted in an interim care order for her 14-month-old son, Oakley. That same day, Barnett and Oakley were reported missing. Police located her vehicle parked near Epping Forest, leading to initial searches there. Officers later discovered she had walked to her home on Chester Road, where they forced entry and found Barnett hidden in the loft, clutching her son.

After communicating with officers through the loft hatch and initially stating Oakley was asleep, Barnett declared, “I have killed him.” Both were rushed to the hospital. Oakley died on December 31, 2024, despite medical treatment. Barnett was arrested on suspicion of murder the following January.

During the trial, evidence presented by the Crown Prosecution Service showed Barnett had prepared a bottle containing milk mixed with medication, which she gave to Oakley. Prosecutors...