Mum, 47, jailed for life for drowning her sons, aged 2 and 5, in the bath then leaving their bodies in their bed for their father to find

On April 11, 2025, Kara Alexander, a 47-year-old mother from Dagenham, East London, was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of her sons, five-year-old Marley Thomas and two-year-old Elijah Thomas. The tragedy unfolded in December 2022, when Alexander, in a cannabis-induced psychotic episode, drowned her boys in a bath and left their bodies for their father, Selvin Thomas, to find.

The trial at Kingston Crown Court revealed Alexander’s heavy use of high-potency cannabis led to her mental state. Despite her claim of an accidental drowning, the jury found her guilty of murder in February 2025. Mr Justice Bennathan called the scene “the stuff of nightmares,” sentencing her to a minimum of 21 years.

This devastating case underscores the dangers of substance use and untreated mental health issues. Marley and Elijah’s loss leaves a void in their community, urging us to advocate for better support systems. Let’s hold our loved ones close and keep their memory alive through meaningful change.

If you’re struggling, reach out to mental health resources like Mind or Samaritans.

Share your thoughts in the comments—what can we do to prevent such tragedies?