A 66-year-old woman has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the 1978 death of five-year-old Andrea Bernard in south London. Janice Nix was arrested following a renewed investigation into the decades-old case, which has remained unresolved for over 45 years.
The Incident: What Happened to Andrea Bernard?
Andrea Bernard was just five years old when she sustained severe injuries at a home on Ashley Road in Thornton Heath on June 6, 1978. Reports indicate that she suffered serious burns and other injuries.
She was initially treated at a hospital in Croydon before being transferred to a specialist burns unit in East Grinstead, West Sussex. Despite medical efforts, Andrea tragically succumbed to her injuries on July 13, 1978.
At the time, no charges were brought, and the case remained open but inactive for decades.
Why Has the Case Been Reopened?
In September 2022, the Metropolitan Police’s Cold Case Homicide Team received new information that prompted them to revisit Andrea’s death. While authorities have not disclosed the exact nature of this new evidence, it was significant enough to lead to the arrest of Janice Nix on February 18, 2025.
Detectives have confirmed that Nix and Andrea knew each other at the time of the incident, though their precise relationship has not been revealed.
Additional Charges
Along with the manslaughter charge related to Andrea’s death, Nix has also been charged with child cruelty against another child, who was eight years old at the time of the alleged offenses. The details of this second case have not been fully disclosed, but it is believed to be connected to events from the same time period.
Court Proceedings and Next Steps
Janice Nix is expected to appear in court later this month to face charges. Prosecutors will present the new evidence that led to her arrest, and the case will move forward in the judicial system.
The Metropolitan Police have urged anyone with further information about the case to come forward, emphasizing the importance of justice for Andrea Bernard after so many years.
Conclusion
This case serves as a reminder that even decades-old crimes can still be investigated and prosecuted if new evidence emerges. The reopening of Andrea Bernard’s case has brought renewed hope for justice, ensuring that no case is truly forgotten.
FAQs
1. Who has been charged in Andrea Bernard’s 1978 death?
66-year-old Janice Nix has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of five-year-old Andrea Bernard.
2. What happened to Andrea Bernard?
Andrea suffered severe injuries at a home in Thornton Heath in June 1978. She died from her injuries a month later.
3. Why has the case been reopened?
New evidence emerged in 2022, prompting authorities to reinvestigate the case and eventually charge Janice Nix.
4. What other charges does Janice Nix face?
She is also charged with child cruelty related to another child who was eight years old at the time.
5. What happens next in the case?
Nix is expected to appear in court, where prosecutors will present evidence. The case will proceed through the legal system.
