Rachel Tunstill, 32, who was serving a life sentence for the murder of her newborn daughter, Mia, was found dead at HMP Styal in Cheshire. Her death is now under investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
The case first made headlines in 2017 when Tunstill, a psychology graduate and deputy manager, killed her baby just moments after giving birth in her apartment. She initially claimed she thought she was having a miscarriage. Tragically, she stabbed the newborn with scissors and hid the body in a bin.
Tunstill was first convicted of murder, then briefly re-sentenced for infanticide due to her mental health and autism diagnosis. But after a retrial, she was again found guilty of murder. The court heard that she had searched online about infamous child killers, raising concerns about her state of mind.
Her case brought attention to the lack of mental health support in the justice system, especially for people with autism or severe psychological issues. Advocates have called for better screening and support to prevent similar tragedies.
Now, as authorities investigate her sudden death in custody, many are left reflecting on a heartbreaking story that touches on the intersection of crime, mental illness, and societal failure.