A woman residing in West Bromwich has been found guilty of the murder of her two-month-old daughter. Emergency services were called when baby Harleen was reported unresponsive, supposedly after falling from her mother’s lap on July 23, 2020. Upon arrival at the West Bromwich residence, paramedics discovered that Harleen had suffered a severe head injury and was having difficulty breathing.
Despite being rushed to the hospital, the infant tragically passed away the next day. A post-mortem examination revealed that Harleen had suffered multiple skull fractures, brain hemorrhaging, fractured ribs, and a broken collarbone. Medical experts concluded that these injuries were caused by a hard impact and were inconsistent with a simple fall, suggesting potential violent shaking.
Following the incident, Zara Arsalan was arrested and charged with her daughter’s murder. Despite denying the accusations, a jury at Coventry Crown Court found the 31-year-old woman guilty on Friday, February 20. Detective Chief Inspector Phil Poole from West Midlands Police’s Homicide Unit expressed the tragic nature of the case, emphasizing the responsibility a parent holds to ensure their child’s safety.
Arsalan is set to be sentenced on Thursday, March 12.
