GRAVESEND, England – In a shocking case of parental abuse, a father has been convicted of murdering his two-year-old adopted daughter after inflicting fatal head injuries upon her. The man was found guilty of bashing the toddler’s head against a wall, causing severe trauma that ultimately led to her death.
The tragic incident took place at the family’s residence in Gravesend, where the victim, Zahra Ghulami, suffered a skull fracture from the violent impact caused by her adoptive father, Jan Gholami. The horrendous act occurred in May 2020 and resulted in Zahra’s untimely demise two days after being admitted to the hospital with critical injuries.
During the trial, the prosecution detailed the events leading to Zahra’s death, emphasizing the significant energy and force used by Gholami to cause the fatal injury. The court heard how the young girl had been subjected to abusive behavior by her adoptive father, leading to her tragic death.
While Gholami was convicted of murder, his wife, Roqia Ghulami, was found guilty of cruelty to a person under 16, but was cleared of the more serious charge of murder. The court’s decision was reached after hours of deliberation by the jurors, resulting in a split majority verdict.
The couple had adopted Zahra in 2017, following the death of her biological mother during childbirth. The court also heard accounts of alleged domestic violence in the household, with Zahra’s adoptive mother, Roqia, testifying to the abusive behavior she had experienced at the hands of her husband.
The tragic case has rocked the community, shedding light on the horrifying consequences of domestic abuse and neglect. Gholami is set to be sentenced on February 16, while the fate of Roqia is yet to be decided.
This heartbreaking case serves as a grim reminder of the need for vigilance in identifying and preventing domestic abuse, especially within vulnerable households. The verdict has brought a semblance of justice for Zahra Ghulami, even as it underscores the urgent need for better protection and support for those living in abusive environments, particularly young children.