Medical experts dispute evidence in Lucy Letby’s baby killing conviction
Al JazeeraFEB 1
Expert Panel Challenges Lucy Letby Murder Convictions
Above: Dr Shoo Lee attends a press conference to present new evidence regarding the safety of the convictions of former nurse, Lucy Letby, on Feb. 4, 2025 in London, England. Image copyright: Leon Neal/Staff/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A panel of 14 international medical experts, led by Canadian neonatologist Dr. Shoo Lee, has claimed their independent review found no evidence that British former neonatal nurse Lucy Letby murdered or attacked any babies between 2015 and 2016.
35-year-old Letby, who has maintained her innocence throughout, is serving 15 life sentences for seven murders and seven attempted murders at the Countess of Chester Hospital.
The international panel's findings were presented on Tuesday, claiming the baby deaths were due to natural causes or inadequate medical care. “Our conclusion was there was no medical evidence to support malfeasance causing injury... In summary then, ladies and gentlemen, we did not find murders,” Dr. Lee said.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The convictions were based on solid evidence examined by two separate juries. The pattern of deaths and collapses was unprecedented, and Letby was the only constant presence during these incidents. Multiple medical experts supported the prosecution's case, and the evidence has withstood scrutiny through multiple appeal attempts.
Establishment-critical narrative
The medical evidence used to convict Lucy Letby was fundamentally flawed and misinterpreted. The deaths were most likely caused by natural causes or poor medical care, and there is no evidence supporting deliberate harm in any of the 17 cases reviewed. The hospital unit was understaffed and had serious systemic issues contributing to the tragedy.