A mother has been found guilty of killing her three-month-old daughter after leaving her with catastrophic brain injuries and broken bones. 24-year-old Nazli Merthoca, from East Ham in east London, was convicted of manslaughter at the Old Bailey today, after a heartbreaking trial that revealed shocking details about baby Kaylani Kalanzi’s short life.

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Kaylani died on July 23 last year after suffering horrific injuries that included a broken leg, several broken ribs, and severe brain damage caused by violent shaking. Prosecutors said she was attacked inside the family home before being rushed to hospital in critical condition.

Doctors at Great Ormond Street Hospital fought to save her life for 15 days, but her injuries were too severe. She tragically passed away with her tiny body covered in bruises and fractures.

During the trial, the court heard that Merthoca and her husband, 35-year-old Herbert Kalanzi, were described as “selfish and irresponsible” parents who put their toxic relationship before their baby’s safety. Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC told jurors that the couple’s arguments and lifestyle made them “unfit” to care for a newborn.

Jurors were told that both parents gave conflicting stories about what happened to baby Kaylani. At first, Merthoca claimed her daughter had simply “fallen ill.” But medical experts quickly ruled out natural causes after discovering that her injuries could only have been caused by serious force.

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On July 23, shortly before 10.30pm, the defendants called emergency services, saying that Kaylani had stopped breathing. When paramedics arrived, Merthoca was reportedly aggressive towards them and was burning incense to hide the smell of cannabis, the court heard. When the baby was taken to Great Ormond Street hospital, Merthoca called it ‘a hospital of white supremacy,' and claimed staff did not talk to her because of her race and gender.

Social services were involved with the couple after Kaylani's birth in April last year - and allowed them custody after Mr Kalanzi attended a 'Caring Dad' programme. But the services aimed to help new fathers was 'doomed to fail' after previously hearing that Merthoca had consumed drugs and was in a 'mutually abusive relationship' with Mr Kalanzi.

Neighbours also told police they often heard loud arguments from the home, but no formal reports were ever made.

Prosecutor Zoe Johnson KC told the court, “They were selfish and irresponsible. They put their own relationship and emotions before their child’s wellbeing. Baby Kaylani paid the price for their failure as parents.”

Despite her earlier denial, the jury found her guilty of manslaughter today, agreeing that she caused Kaylani’s fatal injuries through reckless and violent behaviour. Her husband, Kalanzi, was cleared of causing or allowing their daughter’s death. When the guilty verdict was read out, Merthoca reportedly began to cry. The judge ordered a pre-sentencing report and she will be sentenced on December 15.