Hello, Case Crackers! Whether you’re a loyal reader or joining us for the first time, we’re thrilled to have you in our true crime community. This edition is filled with thrilling updates, exclusive behind-the-scenes insights, and perplexing mysteries that are sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive in and uncover the fascinating world of true crime with us!

Here’s what’s lined up for you this week:

• 📰 Breaking News

• ❓ Crime Facts vs. Myth

• 💡 Tip of the Week

• 🔍 Case Study

• 🕵️‍♂️ Crime Puzzle Answer

• 📊 Crime Statistics of the Week

• 📬 Q&A Highlights

• ...and so much more!

BREAKING NEWS

Couple Starved and Buried 3-Year-Old Son After Establishing Their Own 'Kingdom' in Birmingham

Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah have been found guilty of causing or allowing the death of their three-year-old son, Abiyah, after subjecting him to “breathtaking” neglect. The couple, who rejected mainstream society and lived according to their self-created “kingdom” in Handsworth, Birmingham, were convicted unanimously by jurors after aharrowing two-month trial.

The Tragic Case of Abiyah Yasharahyalah

Abiyah died in early 2020 from a respiratory illness exacerbated by severe malnutrition due to the family’s restrictive vegan diet. The toddler was reportedly suffering from rickets, anemia, and stunted growth at the time of his death. Adding to the tragedy, post-mortem examinations revealed six fractures to his right arm, legs, and ribs, which were believed to have occurred approximately six weeks before his death, possibly from a fall.

Despite these severe health issues, the couple did not seek medical attention for their son, choosing instead to treat him with garlic and ginger. When Abiyah passed away, the parents kept his body in their bed for eight days, performing what Tai described as an "eight-day ritual" in hopes that he would “come back to life.” When this failed, they embalmed the boy’s body and buried him in an 80cm-deep grave in the backyard of their rented Birmingham home.

A Self-Created “Kingdom” and Rejection of Society

Tai, a graduate in medical genetics who also studied immunology, and his wife Naiyahmi had renounced British citizenship, shunned conventional systems, and created their own belief system. Tai, who identified as the "king" of the Kingdom of Yasharahyalah, incorporated aspects of Igbo culture into a quasi-religious doctrine he called “slick law.”

The couple’s way of life involved living off-grid and relying on the generosity of others. They occupied unconventional housing, including a shipping container and later a caravan in Somerset, and resisted interaction with governmental or non-governmental organizations. A sign posted at their Birmingham home warned authorities against making contact with them.

The Arrest and Trial

Tai and Naiyahmi were arrested in December 2022, nearly two years after Abiyah's death. During the arrest, police found them malnourished and living in a caravan. Their son’s skeletal remains were discovered buried in the backyard of their Handsworth home just days later.

The trial revealed how police visited the couple’s home multiple times, including once when Abiyah was still alive in 2018. However, a welfare check in 2021 failed to identify the boy as missing due to confusion over records related to the property. The couple admitted during police questioning that they had buried their son’s body and never registered his death.

Throughout the trial, Tai and Naiyahmi denied acting willfully, claiming they believed Abiyah would recover from a flu-like condition. Tai also claimed ignorance of the risks associated with a strict vegan diet, despite his academic background in genetics and immunology.

Verdicts and Sentencing

Jurors deliberated for over 21 hours across five days before reaching a unanimous verdict, convicting the couple of neglect, perverting the course of justice, and causing or allowing Abiyah’s death. The court heard how the couple prioritized their off-grid lifestyle and belief system over their son’s well-being.

DI Joe Davenport, the lead investigator, described Tai as a “very arrogant man, a fantasist, and someone who looked to manipulate people.” He characterized Naiyahmi as “incredibly weak-minded,” stating that she placed her love and loyalty to Tai above the welfare of her child.

A Wider Investigation

A safeguarding review is now underway to examine the involvement of police and other agencies during Abiyah’s short life. The review will focus on how authorities handled previous interactions with the family and whether intervention could have prevented the tragedy.

A Community in Mourning

This devastating case has left many in the Birmingham community grappling with the shocking details of Abiyah’s life and death. It also raises questions about how societal rejection and isolation can contribute to neglect and harm.

As the sentencing phase approaches, the family’s actions remain a chilling reminder of how ideology and neglect can lead to irreparable harm, especially for society's most vulnerable members.

Consider the cases of Jeffrey Dahmer and Oprah Winfrey. Both experienced significant challenges during their childhoods. Dahmer faced neglect and isolation, which contributed to his later criminal behavior as a notorious serial killer. On the other hand, Oprah Winfrey endured abuse and poverty but channeled her experiences into building a highly successful career and becoming a global icon for empowerment and philanthropy.

This contrast highlights how childhood trauma can impact individuals differently, depending on various factors like support systems, personal resilience, and choices.

Victimology Can Be the Key to Solving a Case

Pay close attention to a suspect’s body language and verbal cues during interrogations. While avoiding eye contact is often seen as a sign of lying, it’s not always reliable. Instead, watch for inconsistencies between their words and nonverbal behaviors, like saying they’re confident while fidgeting or hesitating.

Pro Tip: Look for micro expressions brief, involuntary facial expressions that reveal genuine emotions. They can provide crucial insights into what someone is really feeling, even when they’re trying to hide the truth.

For true crime enthusiasts, understanding microexpressions can enhance the analysis of suspect interviews and courtroom testimonies. By learning to recognize these subtle facial cues, one can gain deeper insights into the emotional states of individuals involved in criminal cases, enriching the overall understanding of the complexities of human behavior in high-stress situations.

Game Challenge: Who’s the Real Culprit?

This week, step into the shoes of a seasoned detective and test your deduction skills!

The Scenario:

A small-town jewelry store was robbed last Friday night. Three suspects have airtight alibis, but one is lying. Here’s what each of them claims:

• Suspect A (Emma): “I was at a movie theater with my sister. She can vouch for me.”

• Suspect B (Jake): “I was at a 24-hour diner from 9 PM to midnight. I have the receipt to prove it.”

• Suspect C (Sophia): “I was on a video call with my friends the entire evening. We were planning our upcoming vacation.”

Your Task:

Based on these alibis, which one raises a red flag? Send in your theory and reasoning. The first 3 correct answers will get a shoutout in next week’s newsletter and a chance to win exclusive Case Crackers merch!

Crime Statistic of the Week

Surge in Shoplifting Across England and Wales

Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals a significant increase in shoplifting incidents. In the year ending June 2024, police recorded 469,788 shoplifting offences, marking a 29% rise from the previous year's 365,173 offences. This figure represents the highest level of shoplifting recorded since the year ending March 2003.

The British Retail Consortium estimates the actual number of retail thefts to be around eight million annually, indicating that many incidents go unreported. Despite the high number of recorded offences, only 14% resulted in charges, with over half of the investigations closed without identifying a suspect.

This surge in shoplifting has prompted retailers to implement stricter security measures. For instance, Co-op supermarkets have started placing security tags on items like £5 boxes of Guylian Belgian chocolates to deter theft during the festive season.

The rise in shoplifting is attributed to various factors, including the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, which has led to increased thefts during the holiday season. Retailers and law enforcement agencies are urged to collaborate on effective strategies to address this growing concern.

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