Lucy Letby Questioned in Prison Over Suspicious Baby Deaths at Two Hospitals
Lucy Letby, the convicted nurse serving a rare whole-life sentence for the murder of seven infants and the attempted murder of seven others, has been questioned in prison by detectives investigating additional suspicious deaths and collapses of babies.
The 34-year-old was interviewed under caution regarding incidents at the Countess of Chester Hospital, where she worked, and for the first time, at Liverpool Women’s Hospital, where she trained during her student years.
Police Statement and Investigation Scope
In a statement, Cheshire Police confirmed:
“We can confirm that, following agreement, Lucy Letby has recently been interviewed in prison under caution in relation to the ongoing investigation into baby deaths and non-fatal collapses at the Countess of Chester Hospital and the Liverpool Women’s Hospital. Further updates will follow.”
Detectives are reviewing the care of approximately 4,000 babies admitted to the two hospitals during Letby’s employment. This includes her tenure at the Countess of Chester Hospital from January 2012 to June 2016 and placements at Liverpool Women’s Hospital in 2012 and 2015.
The police clarified that only cases deemed medically concerning would undergo further investigation.
The Crimes and Sentencing
Letby, originally from Hereford, was convicted at Manchester Crown Court in August and is serving 15 whole-life orders. Her crimes occurred between June 2015 and June 2016 while working as a neonatal nurse. She is currently held at HMP Bronzefield, a category A prison for women in Surrey.
Public Inquiry and Expert Testimony
The Thirlwall Inquiry into the case is ongoing, with recent testimony highlighting the possibility that Letby’s attacks began earlier than initially believed.
Dr. Stephen Brearey, the senior paediatrician at the Countess of Chester neonatal unit, told the inquiry:
“On reflection, I think it’s likely that Letby didn’t start becoming a killer in June 2015 or start harming babies then. I think her actions prior to that, over time, may have influenced what was perceived as abnormal.”
He noted a high rate of breathing tube dislodgements—40%—during Letby’s shifts at Liverpool Women’s Hospital between 2012 and 2015.
Families Seek Answers
Representing the families of Letby’s victims, Peter Skelton KC questioned Dr. Brearey about potential earlier attacks:
“Child A was murdered on June 8, 2015. Is it your view that she [Letby] had murdered or assaulted children in your hospital before that date?”
Dr. Brearey responded:
“I think that’s likely, yes.”
Looking Ahead
The ongoing inquiry aims to uncover the full scope of Letby’s actions and identify systemic failures that allowed her to evade detection for years. As new evidence emerges, families of the victims and the public await further updates on the police investigation.