How couple who buried son in Handsworth garden became suspects over his death three years later

Detectives have revealed how they first became suspicious of a couple who caused the death of their child before they buried him in the garden of their Handsworth home. Tai-zamarai Yasharahyalah and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah were sentenced to a total of 44 years behind bars today, December 12.

The parent's beliefs - which included a strict vegan diet and rejection of Western medicine - resulted in the death of their son Abiyah, aged approximately three years and nine months old, some time between December 2019 and January 2020. His body was discovered buried in the garden of their Clarence Road home three years later.

His tragic death was not registered, as his parents said it was not part of their culture. The youngster's passing only came to light when detectives reviewed videos which showed Abiyah with his 42-year-old dad in 2016.

READ MORE: Cruel parents who buried neglected boy in Handsworth garden jailed for 44 years

One video was captioned with 'like father, like son'. When later questioned about their son’s existence, the pair admitted Abiyah had been unwell and had died.

The garden was subject to a forensic archaeological examination and his remains were found. Abiyah was found to have suffered severe malnutrition, rickets, anaemia, stunted growth, bone malformation and deformity. He also had bone fractures, severe dental decay, poor immunity and a painful condition where bones failed to fuse together following a fracture.

His parents, who had been evicted from the home in early 2022, moved into a shipping container in the south west area before moving into a caravan. They were arrested on December 9, 2022, and subsequently charged with causing or allowing the death of a child, neglect and perverting the course of justice.

Former music producer Tai-Zamarai Yasharahyalah, and his wife 43-year-old Naiyamhi, a graphic designer, were found guilty of causing the death of their son by a jury at Coventry Crown Court earlier this month. Tai-Zamarai was jailed for 24 years and six months, while Naiyamhi was jailed for 19 years and six months.

Senior investigator Detective Inspector Joe Davenport said: “In Abiyah’s short life, his parents failed to provide the most basic of care to him – namely adequate food and medical care. Instead, they hid him from the authorities and prioritised their cultural practices and beliefs over his wellbeing.

“During the trial, we have heard medical experts evidence that Abiyah would have been in significant pain not only with tooth decay but mending bone fractures that had not been medically assessed and properly treated. The pair rejected western medicine so Abiyah was never checked in his formative years like most children.

"His parents claimed that they were not aware of him being malnourished however his body was examined it was found to be severely smaller than he should have been at his age. This has been a heart-breaking case for all those involved in the investigation. I’m glad that justice has been served for Abiyah.”