Adolescent Found Dead Following False Allegations of Stealing Ashes
A 14-year-old boy was found dead only a few days following being falsely blamed of stealing the cremated remains of a deceased baby during a break-in, an inquest has heard.
Tragic Finding
The young boy's parents discovered his remains in his room at his Connah's Quay home on November 19th, 2021.
False Allegations Start
The inquest heard how his parent got a message on 8 November 2021 via online platforms, from a woman inquiring if her son was her child. The message added: "Inform him appreciation for breaking into my apartment."
In a statement presented to the court, Lisa Lloyd said the individual had been in the news, claiming her infant's remains had been stolen in a burglary - a allegation which was false.
Police Investigation
An investigation report from authorities later concluded the supposed break-in victim had "lied to police" and "evidence shows that the property was never taken in the first place".
News coverage about the alleged taken ashes generated social media responses, and although Kai was not identified in the messages, his mother said individuals "knew it was him".
The "social media content were extremely distressing", she stated.
Mental Health Effect
She explained that Kai had been diagnosed with mild attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and as part of that disorder, other individuals' views really mattered to him.
"It would have hurt him deeply," she commented, "particularly when this was untrue".
Kai was detained at home, but nothing was found. He was taken to a law enforcement facility and later released pending further inquiry.
Authorities said they would be in contact, the inquest learned, but had failed to contacted the relatives by the time of his passing.
Withdrawal and Worry
His mother said her son "withdrew into himself" after the arrest and "repeatedly inquired me whether I had received anything from the police", because his ADHD meant sometimes "certain periods could feel like days".
When she talked to him about the supposed burglary, she said her child told her he had entered the house because the resident who lived there had said he could use the bathroom anytime he needed, but refuted taking anything.
Online Harassment
In a joint statement between her and her spouse, the mother said her son was being bullied online after the allegations.
The proceedings heard that one young adult urged the teenager to end his life.
She had no concerns on the night before he passed away, explaining how she had listened to him "laughing and teasing".
She portrayed him as a "compassionate, loving" young man, and said her "family is completely shattered".
He had been "obviously hiding his worries", she said, adding that he could not bear to have anybody "have negative thoughts of him".
School Reaction
The inquest heard from educational staff at the local secondary school.
On November 8th, she "heard some boys talking that Kai had been arrested and that was the first I heard".
"He informed me... he'd done nothing wrong," she added.
After the conversation, the educator said she rang Kai's parents' telephone and provided a voicemail saying she had communicated to Kai about the allegations.
The court learned his parents said they never got that message.
Official Finding
Lead investigator told the inquest he would wait for reports regarding what enhancements had been made to dealing with individuals with ADHD, before determining whether he should make a prevention of subsequent deaths report.
Delivering a narrative finding, he said: "Around 8 November 2021, unsubstantiated accusations were made against Kai Benjamin Lloyd, a 14-year-old individual.
"Probably untruths were afterwards exaggerated and exaggerated through the platform of social media.
"During 11 November, he was questioned by the police and after his interview he was freed while investigations proceeded."
The coroner determined: "Exists no proof that the acts or omissions of any organization caused or added to his death and although it was the result of a personal action it is impossible to determine his purpose."