North Finchley Parents Charged with Baby's Murder
A three-month-old infant died in hospital after being found with serious injuries in January.
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From the archive. This story was written up on 29 July 2026 from reporting first published on 23 February 2026, which is the date shown above. We took up the back catalogue of the local titles we read when this site launched, so the events are older than the page.
Dounia Chetaouat, 32, and Abdelkader Essid, 44, both of Kingsway, North Finchley, have been charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. The charges follow the death of their three-month-old son, referred to as Baby A, who was found unresponsive at their home on January 30. Emergency services were called to the address shortly after 11:30am.
Paramedics provided first aid at the scene before the infant was taken to hospital with severe injuries. He remained in hospital until his death on February 17. An inquest into the circumstances of his death is scheduled to be held.
Initial Arrest and Charges
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Chetaouat and Essid were initially arrested on the same day the baby was found, January 30, on suspicion of grievous bodily harm. On February 2, they were formally charged with causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child. Both appeared at Ealing Magistrates’ Court on that date and were remanded into custody.
The day after the baby's death, on February 18, the parents faced the more serious charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. They were expected to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on February 23.
Detectives from the Metropolitan Police are continuing their investigation and have appealed for anyone with information to contact them. Witnesses can call 101 or send a direct message to @MetCC on X, quoting reference CAD 2297/31JAN. Information can also be provided anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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