A woman has been found guilty of murder after she was found clutching onto her one-year-old son in a loft. Initially Emma Barnett and her son Oakley had been reported missing. Police believed that Barnett, of Chester Road, Debden in Essex, had taken Oakley to nearby Epping Forest. It came after the emergency services were called to the 36-year-old’s home after concerns about the welfare of both mother and child. Officers forced entry into the property on November 8, 2024, and discovered Barnett was in
the loft with her son. She initially refused to come down and engage with police. Following conversations, officers became increasingly concerned about the child. They forced entry into the loft and both Barnett and Oakley were taken to hospital for treatment. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Oakley died in December 2024. Barnett was treated in hospital before being arrested on suspicion of murder in January 2025. Police say they conducted a “detailed investigation” that saw Barnett interviewed in June 2025. She refused to
answer any questions, police say, but was charged with a single count of murder. As part of an 18-day trial at Cambridge Crown Court, the jury heard that Barnett had been due to attend a legal hearing to decide what would happen with Oakley. The tot had been subject to an interim care order on the day they went missing. Barnett originally denied murdering the child. But after six hours of deliberation, jurors found her guilty. Detective Inspector James Holmes, of Essex Police, said: “This
was an extremely upsetting and difficult investigation for everybody involved. Our thoughts remain with Oakley and everyone who loved him.” Want to see more of the stories you love from the Irish Mirror? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives. To add Irish Mirror as a preferred source, simply click here .
Emma Barnett, Oakley, loft, found guilty, murder, Cambridge Crown Court, Essex Police, Epping Forest, interim care order