In a haunting reminder of a tragic event almost two decades ago, the lifeless body of Baby Peter was discovered in a cot stained with blood, a story that continues to shock many. Baby Peter, at just 17 months old, succumbed to over 50 brutal injuries inflicted by his mother and her partner in 2007.
During the initial court proceedings in 2009, the mother, Tracey Connelly, pleaded guilty to the charges related to the death of the child, while her boyfriend, Steven Barker, received a minimum 12-year sentence, and his brother, Jason Owen, was sentenced to six years for their roles in Peter’s demise.
Initially reluctant to testify, Connelly has now decided to speak out about the tragic events. Autopsy results revealed that Peter endured 50 injuries in the months leading up to his death, despite being under the care of child protection services.
The injuries sustained by Peter included the loss of a fingernail and toenail, multiple broken ribs, a missing tooth from a punch, numerous bruises, fractured ribs, and a broken spinal cord. Despite regular visits by child protection services, Connelly’s deceitful tactics concealed the ongoing abuse.
Connelly concealed the abuse for months, fabricating excuses for every new injury discovered. She also failed to disclose that her boyfriend had moved in with her and her children. The authorities only became aware of this when bruises were noticed on Peter’s face, leading to his placement on the child protection register.
During her parole hearing, Connelly acknowledged her awareness of Barker’s abuse towards her son but chose to ignore it, hoping for a fairy-tale ending that tragically cost her children. In another development, Baby Peter’s stepfather remains incarcerated following his conviction for the child’s death.
Steven Barker has served 16 years in prison for his involvement in Peter’s death and for the rape of a two-year-old girl. Meanwhile, Barker’s brother, Jason Owen, who received a six-year sentence for his role in Peter’s death, has been released. Tracey Connelly’s parole hearing is ongoing.