Bethany Marie Kennerley - killed by her mother Helen Mary Caudwell

Mother arrested on suspicion of murdering her three-year-old daughter at home

05th October 2009



A mother has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her three-year-old daughter at their home.

The body of Bethany Kennerley was discovered in the house by paramedics and she was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Last night an investigation was under way after it emerged police had been in contact with the family a few weeks before the incident.

Officers have been quick to stress that the matter did not involve any allegations of violence or concerns over safety.

But Greater Manchester Police has referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission to investigate.

Officers will also examine the family's history in an effort to discover whether the family had been in contact with social services or other agencies in the weeks leading up to the death.

Last night residents in Cheadle Heath, near Stockport, spoke of their shock following the death of the girl.

One resident said: 'She was a delightful little girl and was always well turned out and seemed to be much loved.

'It is shocking that we will not see her smiling face around anymore.

'The family will be absolutely devastated and whatever has happened is an absolute tragedy.'

One woman said she did not know the family well but added that Bethany was often seen out with her mother and was 'a lovely little thing'.

Police and ambulance crews arrived Bethany's home at around 9.40am on Saturday after they received reports a child had been found dead at the property.

Paramedics found the child had collapsed and could not be saved.

Her 43-year-old mother had slashed her wrists and had to be taken to hospital before she was arrested. She remained there last night under police guard.

A post-mortem examination on her daughter will take place today.

A police source said: 'The child was already dead at the house and paramedics could do nothing to save her.

'At the moment we do not know the cause of death. There does not appear to be any obvious signs of injury on the girl.

'We are waiting on the results of a post-mortem which should give us a clearer idea over what has happened.'

The source added: 'It is true there had been some contact with the family quite recently though nothing that would give us concern over the safety of the child or her mother and no question of violence occurring in the house.

'The case has been referred to the IPCC as a matter of normal procedure and it will investigate.'

Neighbour Racheal Bowran said: 'I just saw all the police cars and vans outside. I was so shocked when I heard what

had happened. It is such a quiet road and everyone keeps themselves to themselves the houses have only been here about two years.

'My thoughts are with the family. It so sad, the little girl was only three.'

A single bunch of flowers was placed against a wall bearing the message 'Rest in peace, angel'.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Shortly before 9.40am on Saturday police were called by the ambulance service to an address after a report that a child had died.

'Bethany was found collapsed in the house and was subsequently pronounced dead.

'A woman was also found at the scene with injuries to her wrist and was taken to hospital for treatment for superficial cuts. She remains in hospital.

'A team of detectives is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1217859/Mother-arrested-suspicion-murdering-year-old-daughter-home.html#ixzz0T5oPyLQG

Schnuffel wrote:Mother arrested on suspicion of murdering her three-year-old daughter at home

05th October 2009



A mother has been arrested on suspicion of murdering her three-year-old daughter at their home.

The body of Bethany Kennerley was discovered in the house by paramedics and she was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Last night an investigation was under way after it emerged police had been in contact with the family a few weeks before the incident.

Officers have been quick to stress that the matter did not involve any allegations of violence or concerns over safety.

But Greater Manchester Police has referred the case to the Independent Police Complaints Commission to investigate.

Officers will also examine the family's history in an effort to discover whether the family had been in contact with social services or other agencies in the weeks leading up to the death.

Last night residents in Cheadle Heath, near Stockport, spoke of their shock following the death of the girl.

One resident said: 'She was a delightful little girl and was always well turned out and seemed to be much loved.

'It is shocking that we will not see her smiling face around anymore.

'The family will be absolutely devastated and whatever has happened is an absolute tragedy.'

One woman said she did not know the family well but added that Bethany was often seen out with her mother and was 'a lovely little thing'.

Police and ambulance crews arrived Bethany's home at around 9.40am on Saturday after they received reports a child had been found dead at the property.

Paramedics found the child had collapsed and could not be saved.

Her 43-year-old mother had slashed her wrists and had to be taken to hospital before she was arrested. She remained there last night under police guard.

A post-mortem examination on her daughter will take place today.

A police source said: 'The child was already dead at the house and paramedics could do nothing to save her.

'At the moment we do not know the cause of death. There does not appear to be any obvious signs of injury on the girl.

'We are waiting on the results of a post-mortem which should give us a clearer idea over what has happened.'

The source added: 'It is true there had been some contact with the family quite recently though nothing that would give us concern over the safety of the child or her mother and no question of violence occurring in the house.

'The case has been referred to the IPCC as a matter of normal procedure and it will investigate.'

Neighbour Racheal Bowran said: 'I just saw all the police cars and vans outside. I was so shocked when I heard what

had happened. It is such a quiet road and everyone keeps themselves to themselves the houses have only been here about two years.

'My thoughts are with the family. It so sad, the little girl was only three.'

A single bunch of flowers was placed against a wall bearing the message 'Rest in peace, angel'.

A spokesman for Greater Manchester Police said: 'Shortly before 9.40am on Saturday police were called by the ambulance service to an address after a report that a child had died.

'Bethany was found collapsed in the house and was subsequently pronounced dead.

'A woman was also found at the scene with injuries to her wrist and was taken to hospital for treatment for superficial cuts. She remains in hospital.

'A team of detectives is working to establish the circumstances surrounding the death.'

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1217859/Mother-arrested-suspicion-murdering-year-old-daughter-home.html#ixzz0T5oPyLQG

RIP little Angel


Is it just me or are we seeing more and more women involved in crimes against children.

Mum In Court Over Young Bethany's Murder

Friday October 09, 2009

A woman will appear in court later today charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter, who was found smothered at her home.

Helen Mary Caudwell, 41, is accused of killing Bethany Marie Kennerley.

The youngster was found collapsed at her home in Cheadle Heath, Greater Manchester, shortly before 9.40am on Saturday.

Paramedics discovered Bethany when they were called to the house on Redwood Close.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post-mortem concluded she died from upper airway obstruction consistent with smothering.

Caudwell was taken to hospital with slash wounds to her wrists.

She is due to appear before Stockport Magistrates' Court later today.

Bethany's father and grandparents said in a statement earlier this week: "To our darling Boo.

"You will always be in our memories and thoughts, rest in peace, lots of love."

The Independent Police Complaints Commission is to investigate contact officers had with Bethany's family in the days before she died.

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Bethany-Kennerley-Helen-Caudwell-Mother-Of-Three-Year-Old-Due-In-Court-Charged-With-Her-Murder/Article/200910215402542?lpos=UK_News_News_Your_Way_Region_9&lid=NewsYourWay_ARTICLE_15402542_Bethany_Kennerley%3A_Helen_Caudwell_Mother_Of_Three-Year-Old_Due_In_Court_Charged_With_Her_Murder

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/manchester/8298170.stm