Adolescent Found Dead Following Untrue Accusations of Taking Ashes
A 14-year-old boy was found dead only a few days after being falsely blamed of taking the ashes of a dead baby during a burglary, an inquest has learned.
Tragic Discovery
Kai Lloyd's parents found his remains in his bedroom at his Flintshire residence on 19 November 2021.
Untrue Allegations Start
The investigation heard how his parent received a message on 8 November 2021 via online platforms, from a woman asking if Kai was her offspring. The communication added: "Tell him appreciation for breaking into my flat."
In a statement read to the court, the mother said the individual had been in the media, claiming her infant's remains had been stolen in a break-in - a allegation which was untrue.
Police Investigation
An investigation report from police later concluded the supposed break-in victim had "lied to police" and "it now appears that the property was not taken in the first place".
News coverage about the supposed stolen ashes attracted online comments, and although the teenager was not identified in the posts, his parent said individuals "understood it was him".
The "online posts were extremely upsetting", she stated.
Mental Health Effect
She explained that Kai had been identified with mild attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and as part of that disorder, other peoples' opinions really mattered to him.
"It would have hurt him deeply," she said, "particularly when this was untrue".
The teenager was detained at home, but no evidence was found. He was taken to a police station and later freed pending further inquiry.
Authorities said they would be in contact, the hearing heard, but had not reached out to the relatives by the time of his passing.
Isolation and Anxiety
His parent said Kai "became isolated" after the detention and "would keep asking me whether I had received anything from the authorities", because his condition meant sometimes "certain periods could seem like much longer".
When she talked to him about the alleged burglary, she said her son told her he had gone into the residence because the resident who lived there had said he could use the toilet anytime he needed, but denied removing anything.
Online Bullying
In a joint statement between her and her husband, the mother said her son was being bullied digitally after the accusations.
The inquest heard that one young adult urged Kai to kill himself.
She had no worries on the evening before he died, describing how she had heard him "chuckling and teasing".
She portrayed him as a "compassionate, loving" boy, and said her "relatives is completely devastated".
He had been "clearly hiding his worries", she said, noting that he could not stand to have anybody "think bad of him".
Educational Reaction
The inquest received testimony from educational personnel at Connah's Quay High School.
On November 8th, she "heard some students talking that Kai had been arrested and that was the initial I heard".
"He told me... he'd done nothing wrong," she continued.
After the discussion, the educator said she rang Kai's family telephone and left a voicemail saying she had communicated to the student about the allegations.
The court learned his parents said they never receive that communication.
Formal Conclusion
Senior investigator told the inquest he would await documents regarding what enhancements had been made to dealing with suspects with ADHD, before deciding whether he should make a prevention of future fatalities report.
Delivering a descriptive finding, he said: "Approximately 8 November 2021, unsupported allegations were made against the teenager, a young child.
"Probably untruths were subsequently exaggerated and amplified through the medium of social media.
"During 11 November, he was questioned by the police and after his questioning he was freed whilst investigations proceeded."
The official concluded: "There is no proof that the acts or failures of any agency led to or added to his passing and although it was the outcome of a personal act it is impossible to discern his intent."