By Michael Thompson, Founder of The Falsely Accused Network
The recent case of Shilyrand Charigwati in Hemel Hempstead has once again highlighted a disturbing pattern we at the Falsely Accused Network have been monitoring for years. Here we have yet another situation where a mother has admitted to killing her own child—in this case, her two-year-old daughter Roselyn—yet is attempting to evade a murder conviction by claiming mental illness.
This predictable defense strategy has become all too common. Charigwati's legal team is following a well-worn playbook: admit to the killing but deny the murder charge on grounds of diminished responsibility due to mental health issues. The trial, which began this week at Luton Crown Court, will feature psychiatrists debating her state of mind when she took her daughter's life last April.
What continues to trouble our organization is the markedly different public and judicial response to female killers compared to their male counterparts. Society seems perpetually ready to sympathize with mothers who kill, eager to find explanations or excuses for their actions rather than holding them accountable as the murderers they are.
When men commit similar crimes, there is rightful outrage and demands for justice. Yet when women kill their children, the narrative quickly shifts to discussions of postpartum depression, mental health struggles, or societal pressures. This double standard not only undermines justice but places other children at risk.
The harsh reality is that children are not safe around individuals who are capable of such violence, regardless of gender or relationship. By continually providing women who kill with psychological escape hatches from full accountability, our society sends a dangerous message that devalues the lives of the most vulnerable victims.
As this case unfolds over the next four weeks, we will be watching closely. Will justice be served for young Roselyn, or will we see yet another example of a female killer using mental health claims to avoid the appropriate label of murderer? The pattern suggests the latter is all too possible.
The Falsely Accused Network remains committed to highlighting these concerning disparities in our justice system and advocating for equal treatment under the law, regardless of gender. Our children deserve nothing less.
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