Moment mum who murdered child with drug-laced bottle tells police ‘I killed him’

WARNING, DISTRESSING CONTENT: Emma Barnett, 36, of Debden, Essex, has been jailed of the murder of her 14-month-old son Oakley after a family court hearing determined he should be taken into care

A mum who murdered her own son by feeding him a fatal cocktail of prescription drugs before he could be taken into care has been jailed for a minimum of 22 years. Emma Barnett, of Debden, Essex, hid herself in her loft after a family court hearing on November 8 2024 which had ruled that her 14-month-old son Oakley should be removed.

The 36-year-old had left her car at Epping Forest then walked back home. Essex Police said Barnett and Oakley were initially reported as missing, with suggestions Barnett had taken her son to Epping Forest, but they later forced entry to her home and discovered them in the loft.

The judge said Barnett had later said in interview that she “wanted the police to think I was in the forest so I could stay indoors with Oakley”. Police bodycam footage revealed the chilling moment Barnett told officers “I’ve killed him,” after an officer asked to see if Oakley was ok.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that evidence presented at court showed Barnett had prepared a bottle containing a mixture of milk and medication, which she gave to Oakley, causing his death.

Barnett was found guilty of murder following her trial. Social workers had been attempting to find Barnett and protect Oakley on November 8 2024 and “the intention was to remove Oakley as that was the result of the court hearing”.

The court heard Barnett “tried to hang herself with police present and had taken an overdose of paracetamol”.

Oakley was taken to hospital and died on New Year’s Eve 2024.

The prosecution case was that Barnett “intentionally administered to him (Oakley) medication prescribed to her intending to kill him and this was the planned outcome”.

Judge Sweeting said that the defendant’s case was that Oakley’s death was accidental.

Two baby bottles were found in the loft containing liquids that tested positive for the antihistamine promethazine, which can cause sedation, and the antidepressant mirtazapine.

The judge said an expert’s evidence was that “taken together their effects may be greater than either alone” and they could result in “respiratory compromise”.

After the tragedy, Oakley’s heartbroken family paid tribute to him and described how “their hearts ache with the loss of 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.”

Oakley’s dad also paid a special tribute to his beloved son.

“While I never got given the opportunity to get to know Oakley and experience the joy he bought 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.”

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