Mother Alexandra Walker and Harrison Simpson charged with toddler’s murder following police welfare check at Thornaby home
A two-year-old girl was allegedly raped and murdered at her mother’s home in North Yorkshire, as her devastated father paid tribute to his “princess” and hundreds of mourners gathered to remember the toddler who was “always full of smiles.”
Isabelle Rose Welsh died after police were called to conduct a welfare check at a property on Hartington Close in Thornaby on September 13. Her mother Alexandra Walker, 25, and Harrison Simpson, 21, have since been charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child, whilst Simpson faces an additional charge of rape.
The tragic toddler can now be named after the Recorder of Middlesbrough, Judge Francis Laird KC, lifted reporting restrictions at Teesside Crown Court on Monday, stating: “There is no requirement for a reporting restriction as the alleged victim in this case is deceased.”
Father’s Heartbreaking Tribute
Isabelle’s father Josh Welsh led tributes to his daughter, writing: “Rest in peace Isabelle. Daddy loves you all the world and back.”
In a statement issued through Cleveland Police, Isabelle’s family said: “Rest in peace Isabelle, fly high little girl. Forever two.”
The family told Teesside Live they wanted Isabelle’s picture shared on social media rather than those of the accused, describing her as a child “with a full life ahead of her” who was “always full of smiles.”
“Isabelle loved to watch Peppa Pig as that was her comfort show. She also loved her dummies and dancing,” the family said, thanking those who had offered “kind words and condolences” since the death of the much-loved little girl.
Emergency Response and Investigation
Cleveland Police officers were called to the terraced property on Hartington Close at approximately 4.20pm on Saturday, September 13, following reports of concerns for the welfare of a two-year-old child.
The toddler was rushed to hospital but tragically passed away a short while later. Her death was initially treated as “unexplained” as detectives launched an investigation.
Walker and Simpson were arrested the following day, September 14. Forensic officers and crime scene investigators were seen at the house throughout Sunday and Monday, with police officers stationed at both the front and rear of the property, which had a child’s slide visible in the front garden.
A police spokesperson said: “Her family are devastated by her death. They have asked for privacy as they begin to grieve the unimaginable loss of a child. Specialist officers are supporting the family and our thoughts remain with them at this very difficult time.”
Community in Mourning
Hundreds of tributes have poured in for Isabelle Rose on social media, with one person writing: “Thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in eternal paradise beautiful princess.”
Another added: “What a gorgeous little girl. This world is too cruel.”
Around 200 people attended a candlelit vigil on Hartington Close on Thursday evening, where residents cried and hugged each other whilst laying flowers, teddy bears, balloons and candles outside the home.
Heather Mason, who organised the vigil, said: “We would all like to acknowledge this little girl’s short life, and I thought this would be a nice idea for anyone to attend.”
One note attached to floral tributes appeared to be from Isabelle’s father, reading: “My beautiful baby girl, Daddy loves you all the world.”
Other cards left at the scene stated: “A beautiful special little girl taken too soon” and “Fly high beautiful.”
Court Proceedings
Both Walker and Simpson appeared via video link at Teesside Crown Court on Friday, September 20. Walker appeared from Low Newton Prison wearing a grey prison sweater, whilst Simpson appeared from Holme House Prison in a grey t-shirt.
Walker, of Hartington Close, Thornaby, has been charged with murder and causing or allowing the death of a child. Simpson, also of Hartington Close, faces charges of murder, rape, and causing or allowing the death of a child.
A plea hearing has been scheduled for November 6 at Teesside Crown Court, where both defendants will be expected to enter their pleas. Judge Laird stated he was “minded not to set a trial date” at the initial hearing.
Both defendants have been remanded in custody until their next court appearance. Prosecutor Paul Abrahams is leading the case for the Crown.
Neighbours’ Shock
Neighbours on the quiet residential street expressed their shock and sadness over the tragedy. The little girl and her mother had reportedly only lived at the property for a few months when the incident occurred.
Phil Dolan, 64, who lives nearby, said: “It is just awful. I have granddaughters myself, so to think of this happening is terrible. They hadn’t lived here very long at all, so I didn’t know them.”
He described seeing “a single mum and her little one living there” who were “really quiet, just a normal mother and child.”
“She was busy getting the back garden all sorted out. It is such a shock,” he added, saying the first he knew of the incident was when he saw emergency services outside and police later came to speak with him.
Not Linked to Other Incidents
Cleveland Police confirmed that Isabelle’s death is not linked to two other child deaths that occurred in the area during the same week. An eight-year-old boy died in Billingham on September 15, and a nine-week-old baby died in Thornaby on September 16, but police stated these incidents are unrelated.
The force has urged members of the public not to speculate online to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation into Isabelle’s death.
As the community continues to mourn the loss of a little girl described as being “full of life,” the case has highlighted the tragic vulnerability of children and the importance of safeguarding measures.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Isabelle Rose Welsh’s death, whilst specialist officers continue to support her devastated family through their unimaginable grief.
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