Christina Robinson, a 30-year-old woman from Durham, has been found guilty of murdering her three-year-old son and multiple charges of child cruelty, following a distressing series of events leading to the young boy’s death.
Christina Robinson, a 30-year-old woman from Durham, has been convicted of murder and multiple charges of child cruelty in a distressing case involving her three-year-old son, Dwelaniyah. The young boy was subjected to a series of brutal acts by his mother, leading to his death. Robinson’s abusive actions included immersing Dwelaniyah in scalding water and causing a fatal brain injury through physical assault in November 2022. She also admitted to hitting him with a bamboo cane, claiming to be following a scriptural discipline method associated with her beliefs in the Black Hebrew Israelite religion.
The case revealed Robinson’s efforts to mislead police investigators by falsely claiming her son had choked on food, specifically a cheese bap, at the time of his death. However, evidence presented during the trial detailed a prolonged campaign of cruelty, where Dwelaniyah was assaulted for what the prosecution described as “petty wrongs.” Robinson’s failure to seek medical assistance for the severe burns and injuries inflicted on her son was a critical component of the charges against her.
The Durham police, represented by Detective Chief Inspector Simon Turner, highlighted the harrowing nature of the case and commended the jury for their ability to see through Robinson’s attempts to deceive. The conviction is hoped to offer some level of closure to those who cared for Dwelaniyah.
Christina Robinson now awaits sentencing, scheduled for May 24, after separating from her legal team during the trial. She has been given time to secure new legal representation ahead of her sentencing date.
