Grandparents Convicted of Murder Following Grandson’s Tragic Death

A tragic incident at a home in Garden City, Wales, led to the conviction of grandparents Kerry and Michael Ives for the murder of their two-year-old grandson, Ethan Ives-Griffiths. The couple was found guilty on October 3, 2023, following a harrowing trial that highlighted the circumstances surrounding Ethan’s collapse on August 14, 2021.

In a distressing 999 emergency call, Kerry Ives reported her grandson’s condition, stating, “his body’s gone all limp.” The call handler attempted to guide her through resuscitation measures, including mouth-to-mouth and retrieving a defibrillator from a nearby pharmacy. Michael Ives, during the call, expressed urgency, repeating “Now, now, now…” as they followed instructions. Despite the rapid response of emergency services, Ethan was pronounced dead two days later at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.

The jury at Mold Crown Court deliberated for nearly seven hours before reaching their verdict. Alongside Kerry and Michael, Ethan’s mother, Shannon Ives, was convicted of causing or allowing the death of a child, as well as child cruelty. The judge, Mr. Justice Griffiths, indicated that the grandparents would face life sentences with a minimum term yet to be determined before they could apply for parole. Shannon Ives is expected to receive a significant prison term as well.

The court heard that despite being transported swiftly to the Countess of Chester Hospital, Ethan’s condition worsened, leading to his transfer to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries on August 16, 2021.

Following the trial, a representative from Flintshire County Council announced that the council would collaborate with an independent child practice review, led by the North Wales Safeguarding Board, to conduct a multi-agency examination of the case. This review seeks to understand the circumstances that contributed to this tragic event and to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The case has sparked discussions about child welfare and the responsibilities of caregivers. As the community grapples with the implications of this verdict, the focus now shifts to the forthcoming sentencing, where the court will determine the length of imprisonment for those involved in this heartbreaking case.