A 24-year-classic man has admitted to the manslaughter of his 10-month-old son in Te Kūiti on June 8, 2024. He initially faced charges of murder and two counts of assault against his partner, but pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of manslaughter, as well as assault with intent to injure and assaulting a person in a family relationship.
‘Terminate the baby’
Court documents reveal the man did not want his son to be born. After learning of his partner’s pregnancy in January 2023, he “immediately expressed concern” and encouraged her to terminate it. The partner initially misled him, believing she had miscarried, but he later discovered she was still pregnant.
Following the discovery, an argument ensued, during which the man repeatedly slapped his partner and then pushed her onto a bed, placing his hands on her chest and neck.
‘Floppy and cold to the touch’
On June 8, 2024, the man’s partner woke to her son crying at 6:00 am and settled him in bed between herself and the man before falling back asleep. She left her son sleeping with the man at 10:50 am, asking him to feed and bathe the child in preparation for family celebrations.
After his partner left, the man fed Mustafa a bottle and Weet-Bix, but the baby vomited and became unsettled. When attempts to feed him again were unsuccessful, the man allegedly attempted to force-feed the baby, causing bruising to his chin. Becoming “stressed and angry,” the man inflicted a fatal injury to the child’s abdomen.
At 2:16 pm, the man’s partner returned home to find him holding their son, who was “floppy and cold to the touch.” The couple drove to Te Kūiti Hospital, where Mustafa was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
A post-mortem determined Mustafa died from a crushing injury to his abdomen, lacerating his liver and large bowel. The injury was so severe that bleeding began immediately and continued until his death, with survival estimated at no more than 30 to 60 minutes.
Initially, the man told police his son began choking during feeding and the injury occurred while attempting CPR. However, a post-mortem found inconsistencies with this account, including bruising and abscesses, and determined the force required to cause the injury was not consistent with CPR procedures.
‘He was a happy and adorable boy’
A funeral for Mustafa was held on June 13 at a Christian church, attended by approximately 100 people, many wearing T-shirts with the baby’s face. Following a private family service, Mustafa’s mother described her son as a “happy and adorable boy.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges did the man initially face?
He was initially set to move on trial defending charges of Mustafa’s murder and two assault charges against his partner.
When did the man appear in court and enter his plea?
The 24-year-old appeared in the High Court at Hamilton today, where he pleaded guilty to manslaughter, assault with intent to injure, and assaulting a person in a family relationship.
What happened after the baby was found unresponsive?
His partner grabbed her son and ran outside for aid before the couple drove directly to Te Kūiti Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
What factors might contribute to such a tragic outcome, and what support systems could potentially prevent similar incidents in the future?