All Episodes

August 18, 2023 5 mins
In a shocking verdict delivered at the Manchester Crown Court, Lucy Letby, a 33-year-old British nurse, was convicted on charges of murdering seven newborn infants and attempting to murder six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital in northwest England. This harrowing court battle spanned 10 months, with Letby now recognized as Britain's most notorious child killer in contemporary times, according to prominent local media outlets.
 
With intense emotions resonating in the courtroom, Letby's crimes were primarily committed during her night shifts in 2015 and 2016. The seven victims she fatally attacked comprised five baby boys and two baby girls.
 
"Understanding the 'why' behind such heinous acts might forever remain a mystery," shared the grieving families of the victims in an emotional statement. "Our hearts are shattered. The feeling of devastation, anger, and numbness is overwhelming."
 
The gruesome details presented during the trial included how Letby administered fatal dosages. Prosecutors detailed that she poisoned several infants by injecting them with insulin. Others faced a grim fate when injected with air or were force-fed milk. Some infants endured multiple assaults before tragically succumbing.
 
A chilling handwritten note unearthed by police in Letby's residence provided a glimpse into her mental state: "I intentionally took their lives because I felt incompetent to care for them. I'm the embodiment of evil." This note echoed her haunting words, "I AM EVIL I DID THIS".
 
Highlighting the depth of her nefarious acts, some of the infants Letby targeted were twins. In a particularly distressing case, she succeeded in killing both siblings, while in others, one twin would tragically lose their life.
 
One can hardly comprehend the gravity of her actions when considering the age of her youngest victim - merely a day old.
 
Upon the conclusion of the trial, prosecutor Nick Johnson depicted Letby as a "constant malevolent presence." Her sinister actions first drew suspicion when senior doctors noticed a surge in unexplained deaths in the neonatal unit over an 18-month span starting January 2015. This unit, dedicated to premature or sick babies, was where Letby was assigned.
 
Social media portrayed a stark contrast, showcasing a cheerful Letby with an active social life. Yet, trial testimonies painted a picture of a determined and cold-blooded killer. The jury learned of her persistent attempts to end a baby girl's life and her audacious claim to a mother: "Trust me, I'm a nurse."
 
Despite her web of deceit, Letby broke down during her 14-day testimony. She vehemently denied the allegations, citing understaffing and unsanitary conditions on the ward as the culprits. She further alleged a conspiracy against her by four doctors and claimed the handwritten note was a result of feeling overwhelmed.
 
However, the prosecution was unyielding, branding Letby as a calculated and deceitful liar. Detective Superintendent Paul Hughes, who helmed the investigation, reflected, "Unless she decides to open up, the real motive might remain an enigma."
 
Dr. Stephen Brearey from the neonatal unit lamented the hospital administration's lack of proactive measures despite consistent concerns raised by him and his colleagues. Nigel Scawn, Medical Director at Countess of Chester Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, expressed profound remorse, emphasizing the commitment to continuous learning from this tragedy.
 
The government's involvement includes an independent inquiry focusing on addressing clinician concerns. A devastated father, whose twins miraculously survived Letby's murderous intent, implored the hospital for answers, stating, "They had the power to prevent this."

Lucy Letby's dark past is being further probed, extending to her tenure at another Liverpool hospital where she received her training. Detective Hughes confirmed
Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

New Heights with Jason & Travis Kelce

Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!

Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.