Rachel Tunstill, 32, a former psychology graduate serving a life sentence for the murder of her newborn daughter, Mia Kelly, has been found dead in her cell at HMP Styal in Cheshire. Her death, which occurred under unexplained circumstances, is now the focus of an official investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman.
Tunstill’s case captured national attention in 2017 due to the horrifying nature of the crime and the emotionally complex legal battle that followed. Just moments after giving birth in her flat, Tunstill used a pair of scissors to stab her newborn daughter multiple times, then concealed the infant’s body in a bin.
A Twisted Legal Journey
Initially convicted of murder, Tunstill’s sentence was later downgraded to infanticide by an appeals court, which cited her severe mental health struggles at the time of the crime. However, the legal process didn’t end there. In a dramatic turn, she was retried and once again found guilty of murder. The presiding judge described the killing as a “brutal and senseless” act against a helpless newborn.
Behind the Crime: Mental Illness and Misunderstanding
Key to the case was Tunstill’s mental health. Diagnosed with autism, she reportedly believed she was experiencing a miscarriage rather than a full-term birth. Her defense team argued that her psychological state, combined with confusion and trauma, contributed to the unimaginable act. The case raised difficult questions about how the justice system handles mental illness, especially in women facing reproductive trauma.
Obsession with Infamous Crimes
During the investigation, police uncovered chilling details from Tunstill’s internet history. She had searched for information on infamous killers and cases of infanticide, a revelation that fueled public outrage and painted a troubling picture of her state of mind in the days leading up to the murder.
A Call for Mental Health Reform
The tragedy of Mia Kelly’s death—and now her mother’s—has reignited discussions about the urgent need for improved mental health care, especially for individuals with autism and severe psychological conditions. Experts argue that greater support within both the healthcare and justice systems could prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
A Mysterious Death Behind Bars
The circumstances surrounding Tunstill’s death remain unclear. Authorities have not confirmed whether it was due to natural causes, suicide, or foul play. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on what happened in her final moments and whether any failures within the prison system played a role.
A Case That Demands Reflection
Rachel Tunstill’s story is a haunting example of how untreated mental illness, isolation, and misunderstanding can collide with devastating consequences. Her death may have closed a painful chapter, but it reopens vital conversations about mental health, justice, and the systems meant to protect both society and the vulnerable.v
