The Mom Who Stabbed Her Baby To

Rachel Tunstill Found Dead in Prison

Rachel Tunstill, 32, was found dead in HMP Styal, Cheshire, where she was serving a life sentence for murdering her newborn daughter, Mia Kelly. The Prisons and Probation Ombudsman is investigating her death to determine the cause.

The Crime and Legal Battles

In 2017, Tunstill, a psychology graduate and deputy manager, gave birth in her flat and stabbed her newborn with scissors, later hiding the body in a bin. Initially convicted of murder, her sentence was reduced to infanticide due to her mental health. However, she was retried and again found guilty of murder. The judge called her actions “a brutal and senseless attack on a vulnerable newborn.”

Mental Health and Autistic Misunderstanding

Tunstill’s trials highlighted serious mental health concerns. Diagnosed with autism, she believed she was having a miscarriage, not delivering a baby. Her defense stressed that her psychological struggles and confusion played a major role in the tragedy. “Her psychological state at the time of the crime became a focal point in the court discussions.”

Chilling Evidence and Wider Lessons

Court records revealed she had researched notorious killers and violent crimes, adding to public concern. “These details painted a grim picture of Tunstill’s mindset.” Her case underscores the urgent need for stronger mental health support, particularly for neurodivergent individuals in crisis. As the investigation into her prison death continues, her story remains a haunting example of how mental illness and lack of support can lead to devastating consequences.