Parents charged with murder of baby in north London
Emergency services were called to North Finchley on January 30th.
Last updated 23rd Feb 2026
A mother and father from North Finchley have been charged with murder following the death of their three-month-old son.
Emergency services were called to a home on Kingsway on 30th January after receiving a report of an unresponsive baby, known as Baby A. Police and paramedics arrived at 11:34hrs, and the London Ambulance Service immediately administered emergency first aid before transferring the baby to hospital with significant injuries.
The child's parents, Dounia Chetaouat, 32, and Abdelkader Essid, 44, were arrested later that day on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm.
Charges and Court Appearance
On 2nd February, the couple were charged with causing or allowing serious physical harm to a child, appearing at Ealing Magistrates’ Court the same day. Both were remanded into custody.
Tragically, Baby A passed away in hospital on 17th February despite the best efforts of medical staff.
Following the baby's death, a post-mortem examination is due to be conducted. The parents were further charged on 18th February with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.
Chetaouat and Essid are set to appear at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 23rd February after 14:00hrs.
Detectives are continuing their investigation.