Six years into her 17-year-long sentence for stabbing her baby with a pair of scissors, Rachel Tunstill dies in prison.
Back in 2017, she stabbed her baby girl, Mia Kelly, more than 15 times in the bathroom of their Burnley home and threw her lifeless body in a bin.
Tunstill was initially convicted of murder and handed a life sentence with minimum term of 20 years, but a re-trial proved the jury in the case should have been offered a verdict of infanticide to consider. During the re-trial she was once again convicted of murder and put behind bars for a minimum of 17 years.
“HMP Styal prisoner Rachel Tunstill died in custody on 1 August 2023. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate,” a spokesperson from the Prison Service confirmed the news of her passing.
At the time she gave birth, her boyfriend was playing video games in the next room. She then told him she had a miscarriage and asked for the scissors after which she remorselessly stabbed the baby to death.
At the time of sentencing, the judge, Mr Justice King, said: “This must have been a sustained and frenzied attack on a victim who because of her age was particularly vulnerable. Her duty to her newborn baby was to cradle and comfort her – not to stab her to death.
“There was here in my judgement concealment of the body, albeit short-lived and in addition there was undoubtedly the indignity which was wrought upon the body by disposing of it in the way she did.”
Credit: Liverpool Echo
Tunstill was a university master’s graduate in forensic psychology.
“She showed no emotion or remorse for stabbing her baby to death,” said Mr Justice King.
Liam Payne’s Final Words to His Partner Will Leave You Heartbroken
Kate Cassidy shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, including a note from Liam Payne, which revealed his plans for their future and showed the beautiful memories they shared.
Just three days after being seen in public for the first time since her boyfriend Liam’s unexpected passing, Kate posted the tribute on October 23, 2024. The lovely photos she shared touched fans deeply, but it was Liam’s note, given to her weeks before his death, that truly left fans heartbroken.
Kate’s post offered a look into the happy life she shared with the late “Teardrops” singer. Her images showed the couple going on adventures together.
Whether they were spending time outdoors or cozying up in snowy surroundings, her photos radiated pure love and joy.
Kate Cassidy shared an emotional Instagram post following Liam Payne’s death. In her message, she expressed her heartbreak and said she wished Liam could have seen the impact he had on the world and known how deeply he was loved.
She wrote, “You are — because I can’t say were — my best friend, the love of my life, and everyone you touched felt just as special as I did. Your energy was contagious, lighting up every room.” Cassidy also shared how she is struggling to continue without him, describing Liam as “the best part” of her.
Cassidy also shared how hard it is to move forward without Liam, saying she lost “the best part” of herself. She mentioned a note he had given her, adding, “I know we’ll be together forever, but not in the way we had planned. You’ll always be with me. I’ve gained a guardian angel.”
One touching image showed a playful side of Liam, wearing pink Mickey Mouse ears and making a silly face at the camera, while Kate smiled next to him.
Another image showed them dressed up, posing at an event surrounded by beautiful scenery. Another picture captured them with their dog, sharing a sweet moment with the happy pup.
In another image, Liam, bundled up in warm clothing, playfully posed near a signpost with multiple destination markers.
One photo showed Kate caressing Liam’s face while he smiled, capturing a loving moment. Another image showed them sharing a kiss in front of a building, expressing their closeness.
In the last photos, Cassidy posted a note she received from Liam that read, “me and Kate to marry within a year/engaged & 2gether 4ever 444,” written in pencil. With the note were two cards, one reading “444” and the other showing a rose drawing.
Cassidy explained that the number “444” holds spiritual meaning, often appearing when someone feels alone, signifying angelic presence and reassurance.
After Kate’s post, fans flooded her comments with messages of sorrow. One wrote, “This has broken me more than I thought possible ,” while another added, “So sorry for your loss my heart is shattered .”
Another commented with teary emojis, while someone else expressed support, saying, “I can’t even imagine what you’ve been through; you are so strong, love. Big hug
In a past interview from 2019, Liam shared his thoughts on love, describing how he valued being with someone who was both his best friend and partner. He expressed joy in finding someone who supported him fully.
Through Cassidy’s recent words, it’s clear her relationship with Liam was also special, filled with deep love and joy.
Recently, Kate was seen for the first time since Liam’s death. She was out in Florida with friends, buying pet supplies on October 20. Fans noticed her somber expression and showed their concern.
One fan commented, “My heart is breaking for her…she looks so exhausted.” Another added, “She is devastated and heartbroken.”
Others found comfort in seeing her with their shared dog, Nala. “God bless her. I’m glad to see Nala with her. I hope Kate will be okay,” wrote one fan, while others commented on how sad and “empty” she appeared.
Fans also urged the paparazzi to give Cassidy privacy to grieve. One user sympathized, writing, “So sad to lose someone you love.” Another added personal reflections on loss, saying, “Prayers to her and the family.”
Others expressed sadness, with comments like, “I can’t imagine how broken she is. So much happened in such a short time,” noting how “gutted” she looked.
One person reflected, “She looks sad; the guilt she must be feeling right now, wouldn’t have left him alone, especially under such difficult circumstances.” Another added, “She looks miserable. Prayers for her.”
Cassidy’s sighting came shortly after Liam’s death on October 16 in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The 31-year-old singer fell from his third-story hotel room balcony. Although his passing initially seemed mysterious, it was later revealed he had been under the influence of strong drugs.
On social media, Cassidy reportedly paid tribute to him, asking for privacy to grieve, expressing how nothing felt real, and thanking fans for their love and support.
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