The recent conviction of Stephen Boden and Shannon Marsden for the murder of their baby son, Finley Boden, has shocked the nation. The tragic incident occurred on Christmas Day 2020, just 39 days after the baby was returned to his parents’ care, following concerns for his welfare. This article provides an overview of the case, detailing the harrowing injuries suffered by the child and the reactions of the parents during the trial.
The Crime
The murder of baby Finley Boden is a distressing example of child abuse that has left many individuals reeling in horror. The parents, Stephen Boden, 30, and Shannon Marsden, 22, were found guilty of repeatedly inflicting severe violence on the child, including burning and beating him, which ultimately led to his cardiac arrest. The couple was convicted after a five-week trial at Derby Crown Court on Friday, and they did not react as the verdicts were read.
The Injuries
The extent of Finley’s injuries was horrifying, with evidence presented during the trial showing that he had suffered 71 bruises and 57 fractures on his body, with many of the injuries inflicted in the days leading up to his death. His pelvis was broken in two places, and he had two burns on his left hand. Additionally, the child had a tear to the inside of his mouth, which the parents blamed on him hitting himself with a rattle. The level of brutality inflicted upon such a young child is truly appalling.
The Parents’ Reactions
During the trial, the parents’ behavior and reactions were scrutinized, with some of their actions being described as inexplicable and concerning. Stephen Boden was overheard telling Shannon Marsden at the hospital just hours after their son’s death that he was going to sell Finley’s pushchair on eBay. Boden later claimed that this was an attempt to lighten the mood, but it was seen as a callous and inappropriate remark given the circumstances. Shannon Marsden also made a startling admission while visiting Finley’s body in the hospital chapel of rest on January 11, 2021, admitting to not protecting the baby and accusing Boden of battering him to death.
The Court Case
The trial provided a detailed and heart-wrenching account of the events that led to Finley’s death, with jurors hearing that he was removed from his parents’ care shortly after his birth due to child protection concerns. Despite social workers requesting a longer transition period, a court order placed the baby back into his parents’ care for eight weeks. The recommendation by the family’s social worker had been for a six-month transition period, which was three times longer than the eight-week period ordered by the court. The couple denied the charges of murder, two counts of child cruelty, and two charges of causing or allowing the death of a child. They will be sentenced at a later date.
The Verdict
The guilty verdicts handed down by the court have provided some level of justice for baby Finley, but the case has left a lasting impact on all those involved. The prosecution described the case as “savage and brutal,” and the harrowing details that emerged during the trial have shocked the nation. The murder of an innocent child is a tragic and senseless crime, and the conviction of Boden and Marsden is a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the welfare of children.
