A London-based couple have been jailed for killing their eight-month-old son, who suffered more than 80 injuries in the weeks before he died.Emmanuel Turner, 33, was sentenced to 22 years in prison after being convicted of murdering his son, Devaun Rose-Turner. The child’s mother, Shandies Rose, 29, was jailed for 12 years after being found guilty of manslaughter, the BBC reported.The pair were sentenced at Luton Crown Court on Wednesday over the death of Devaun, who died in December 2021 at the family’s home in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.Emergency services were called after Turner reported that his son was not breathing. Devaun was taken to hospital but died shortly afterwards.During the sentencing hearing, Mrs Justice Farbey said the infant had endured significant suffering and criticised both parents for failing to seek medical treatment.“You both knew about his pain. Both of you decided to keep it hidden so he received no medical help,” the judge told them.The court heard that Devaun suffered a “catalogue of injuries”, with more than 80 separate injuries recorded during the eight weeks leading up to his death. Prosecutors said the injuries showed a sustained pattern of abuse.After Devaun’s death, Bedfordshire Police launched a lengthy investigation. Turner and Rose were arrested on suspicion of murder in 2022 but were released under investigation while detectives gathered further evidence.Police later discovered that the couple had travelled to Nigeria while the investigation remained ongoing. When they returned to the UK in May 2024, officers arrested them at the airport and they were subsequently charged.Both Turner and Rose were also convicted of causing or allowing a child to suffer significant harm.Detective Inspector Lee Martin, who led the investigation, described the case as complex and deeply challenging.“From the outset, our focus was on establishing exactly what happened to Devaun and securing justice for him, with our team working tirelessly to ensure he was given a voice,” Martin said.“Nothing can undo what happened to him, but today’s sentence reflects the persistence of our officers in ensuring that those who should have cared for and protected him have been held accountable for the abuse he suffered.”He added that the force’s thoughts remained with Devaun.
