Father accused of injuring son as a baby now charged with murder

A man has been charged with the murder of his son, who passed away 14 years after suffering a serious head injury as an infant.

Lejunae Wood, 42, from Wuppertal, Germany, appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates' Court following his arrest at Heathrow Airport. He faces charges over the death of his son, Leajunne Wood, who died in 2021 at the age of 14.

When Leajunne was just four months old, he sustained injuries in December 2007 in Hayes, west London, which were later determined to have lasting, life-altering effects, according to the Metropolitan Police.

During the court hearing, Mr. Wood confirmed his identity. He is scheduled to appear at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

Pathologists reported in 2023 that Leajunne's death was caused by complications linked to the severe head injury he had suffered as an infant, the Met Police stated.

Prosecutor Cathryn Evans told the court that the father is accused of murdering his own child.

Author: Benjamin Carter