Man guilty of murdering three-month-old baby as lies to police exposed

Man guilty of murdering three-month-old baby as lies to police exposed Tyla Wharmby, formerly of Prestedge Avenue, was found guilty of the murder of three-month-old Hunter Hodges, who he was supposed to have been looking after A man has been found guilty of murdering a three-month-old baby who suffered a fractured skull and swelling to his brain. Hunter Hodges was discovered pale and unresponsive with a visibly swollen head after paramedics were called to a property in Queen Street in Ramsgate just after 5.30am on July 15, 2022. Tyla Wharmby, formerly of Prestedge Avenue, was found to have caused the death of Hunter Hodges following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court. Little Hunter was rushed to a local hospital, where medical staff alerted Kent Police to the tot’s injuries. Officers attended and Hunter was transferred to a London facility due to the severity of his wounds. Doctors confirmed the baby boy had sustained a fractured skull, resulting in a large swelling to his brain. Despite the best efforts of medical staff, Hunter died in hospital that afternoon. Wharmby, now 24, was arrested the same day after officers made initial enquiries. Wharmby, who had been responsible for feeding Hunter overnight, at first told police he had woken up to find Hunter unwell and notified the baby’s mother, who then alerted the emergency services. Specialist detectives investigated his claims and officers examined highly complex medical and forensic evidence, Kent Police said today. “Digital forensic material was also analysed. It was established that Wharmby had lied about the sequence of events leading up to Hunter’s death, and that he had deliberately inflicted a fatal injury upon the infant shortly before the 999 call was made,” the force added. The investigation also concluded that Wharmby had previously caused injury to Hunter, which was consistent with the baby having been violently shaken. On February 22 2026, Wharmby was charged with murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent. He denied the charges against him, but was found to have committed both crimes in a majority jury verdict delivered on Thursday. His sentencing will take place at a later date. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Adam Marshall, said: “This was a deeply distressing case involving the death of a very young baby, and our determination to establish what had happened to Hunter, and secure justice on his behalf, was unwavering. The investigation team worked meticulously to scrutinise the evidence and build a case which ultimately exposed the truth behind Wharmby’s lies, and ensure he was brought before the courts to answer for his appalling actions. “No outcome could lessen the devastating loss suffered by Hunter’s family, but I hope this verdict provides some measure of accountability. Throughout this lengthy and incredibly difficult process, Hunter’s loved ones have shown remarkable courage and strength. Despite their immense grief, they provided vital evidence and remained steadfast in their support of the investigation. We are grateful for their resilience, and our thoughts remain with them as they continue to come to terms with their loss.”