Epping mum found guilty of murdering son
Emma Barnett, 36, was due to face a court hearing about her son's future, on the day he went missing
Last updated 28th May 2026
A mother from Epping, has been convicted of murdering her one-year-old son, following a lengthy trial at Cambridge Crown Court.
Emma Barnett, 36, was found guilty by a jury on 28th May 2026 after an 18-day trial, during which her plea of not guilty was rejected following six hours of jury deliberation.
Investigation details
The incident first came to light on 8th November 2024, when emergency services were summoned to Barnett's home on Chester Road, Debden.
Authorities were initially concerned for the welfare of both Barnett and her son Oakley, who had gone missing with signs pointing to Epping Forest as a possible location.
Later that evening, police broke into her residence, discovering Barnett and Oakley in the loft after she had refused to come down. Both were subsequently taken to the hospital.
Despite the medical staff's best efforts, Oakley passed away in December 2024, leading to Barnett's arrest on suspicion of murder a month later.
The court heard that Barnett was supposed to attend a legal hearing on the day they disappeared, about what would happen with Oakley, who was under an interim care order.
Detective Inspector James Holmes commented on the case's challenges, stating, “This was an extremely upsetting and difficult investigation for everybody involved. Our thoughts remain with Oakley and everyone who loved him.”