The Story INVESTIGATION: The forensic expert and the parents accused of murder
Oct 13, 2025
In this intriguing discussion, James Beal, Deputy Investigations Editor at The Times, dives into a controversial investigation surrounding parents accused of murdering their infants based on forensic evidence. He reveals alarming inconsistencies in the conclusions of a forensic expert, Professor Mangum, whose interpretations have faced scrutiny from judges and pathologists. Beal shares the tragic stories of mothers like Rose, explores conflicting expert opinions, and raises critical questions about the potential for miscarriages of justice in such grave cases.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Tragic Discovery In A London Flat
- Rose found her 21-month-old daughter unconscious with a scarf entangled on a bunk bed ladder and frantic CPR followed.
- The child died later in hospital after about 90 minutes of resuscitation attempts.
Expert Finds Multiple Rib Fractures
- Professor Mangum reported 24 rib fractures on Rose's daughter and dated some shortly before death and others days earlier.
- Rose was arrested on suspicion of child neglect and questioned about those fractures.
Parallel Case Raises Doubts
- Laura Langley was charged after Professor Mangum identified 33 rib fractures on her baby, suggesting non-accidental injury.
- Her defence brought in Dr Edward McCarthy from Johns Hopkins, who challenged Mangum's interpretation.