In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Christina Robinson, a 30-year-old mother, has been convicted of the murder of her three-year-old son, Dwelaniyah, following a trial that exposed a harrowing tale of abuse and misguided beliefs. The tragedy unfolded in their Ushaw Moor home in Durham, in November 2022, where Robinson, originally from Tamworth, Staffordshire, was also found guilty of four charges of child cruelty.
The court heard how Robinson, in a fit of rage, inflicted fatal brain injuries on her son on November 5, 2022, while she was the sole adult present in the house. This was in stark contrast to her initial claim to emergency services that her son had suddenly stopped breathing after choking on a cheese bap.
Robinson’s adherence to the extremist Black Hebrew Israelite religion came under scrutiny during the trial. She admitted to disciplining her son with a bamboo cane, a practice she defended by citing biblical scripture that she believed advocated for physical ‘correction’ of children. This defense, however, did little to sway the jury’s verdict.
In the weeks leading up to Dwelaniyah’s tragic death, Robinson subjected him to severe scalding, resulting in excruciating burns, and failed to seek medical attention to avoid raising suspicions. Her delay in calling emergency services, opting first to consult with her husband and search online for resuscitation techniques, further highlighted her neglect.
The trial also shed light on Robinson’s chilling 999 call, her calm demeanor as she recounted her version of events to the police, and her self-representation in court after dismissing her legal team. The prosecution painted a picture of a mother who subjected her son to a relentless campaign of violence for minor infractions.
Robinson’s personal life, including her use of a sperm donor and her relationship with a man she met on a dating app while her husband was away, was also examined. Her views on parenting and discipline, as shared in a voice note to her lover, revealed a disturbing justification for her actions.
Despite her eventual claim of being ‘misguided’ in her interpretation of religious teachings, the damage was irreversible. The post-mortem examination confirmed that Dwelaniyah had been a victim of repeated assaults, leading to his untimely death.
As the community reels from this tragedy, the police have condemned Robinson’s actions and the web of lies she spun to cover up her abuse. The case, which has deeply affected all involved, underscores the preciousness of a child’s life and the devastating consequences of abuse masked as discipline. With Robinson’s sentencing set for May 24, the hope is for justice for Dwelaniyah and a measure of closure for those who truly cared for him.