Adolescent Found Deceased Following False Accusations of Stealing Cremated Remains
One 14-year-old youth was found dead just days following being wrongly blamed of taking the cremated remains of a dead infant during a break-in, a coroner's inquiry has learned.
Heartbreaking Discovery
Kai Lloyd's parents discovered his body in his bedroom at his Flintshire home on November 19th, 2021.
Untrue Allegations Begin
The investigation heard how his parent got a communication on 8 November 2021 via social media, from a individual inquiring if her son was her offspring. The communication added: "Inform him thanks for breaking into my flat."
In a testimony read to the proceedings, Lisa Lloyd said the woman had been in the news, asserting her baby's remains had been stolen in a break-in - a claim which was false.
Police Inquiry
An official inquiry from authorities later determined the alleged burglary victim had "lied to police" and "it now appears that the items was not stolen in the beginning".
News coverage about the supposed stolen remains generated online comments, and although Kai was not identified in the messages, his parent said individuals "understood it was him".
The "online posts were really upsetting", she said.
Mental Wellbeing Effect
She explained that her son had been diagnosed with moderate attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and as part of that condition, other peoples' opinions really mattered to him.
"It would have affected him severely," she said, "particularly when this was untrue".
The teenager was arrested at home, but nothing was discovered. He was transported to a police station and later released under investigation.
Authorities said they would be in touch, the inquest heard, but had failed to contacted the relatives by the moment of his death.
Withdrawal and Anxiety
His parent said Kai "became isolated" after the detention and "repeatedly inquired me whether I had heard anything from the police", because his ADHD meant sometimes "certain periods could feel like much longer".
When she talked to him about the alleged incident, she said her child informed her he had entered the house because the resident who lived there had said he could utilize the bathroom whenever he needed, but denied removing anything.
Digital Bullying
In a joint statement between her and her husband, Mrs Lloyd said her child was being bullied online after the allegations.
The proceedings heard that one 19-year-old encouraged Kai to end his life.
She had no concerns on the night before he passed away, explaining how she had listened to him "chuckling and joking".
She portrayed him as a "compassionate, affectionate" young man, and said her "family is totally shattered".
He had been "clearly concealing his concerns", she said, adding that he could not stand to have anyone "think bad of him".
School Response
The hearing received testimony from school staff at Connah's Quay secondary school.
On November 8th, she "heard some boys talking that Kai had been arrested and that was the initial I learned".
"He told me... he'd was innocent," she continued.
After the discussion, the staff member said she called the family's parents' telephone and left a voicemail saying she had communicated to Kai about the allegations.
The court heard his parents said they never receive that communication.
Formal Finding
Lead investigator informed the inquest he would wait for documents regarding what improvements had been made to handling individuals with the condition, before deciding whether he should make a prevention of future fatalities report.
Delivering a narrative finding, he stated: "Approximately 8 November 2021, unsupported accusations were made against the teenager, a 14-year-old child.
"Likely falsehoods were subsequently embellished and amplified through the medium of social media.
"During November 11th, he was interviewed by the authorities and after his questioning he was freed whilst inquiries proceeded."
The official concluded: "There is no proof that the acts or failures of any agency caused or added to his death and although it was the result of a self-inflicted action it is not possible to determine his intent."