Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah Found Guilty of Causing Son’s Death
A couple has been convicted of causing the death of their three-year-old son, Abiyah Yasharahyalah, through severe neglect. Tai and Naiyahmi Yasharahyalah, who set up an isolated life in Birmingham, were found guilty of allowing their son’s death due to “breathtaking” neglect.
Abiyah was discovered buried in a garden in Birmingham in early 2020, after his parents kept his body in their bed for eight days. He had died from a respiratory illness exacerbated by a strict, unsupplemented vegan diet that caused severe malnutrition, anaemia, rickets, and stunted growth. Despite his worsening health, the couple failed to seek medical help for their son, relying on unproven home remedies like garlic and ginger.
The couple, who had withdrawn from society, rejected mainstream living and had created their own belief system, were arrested in 2022. They were living in a caravan in Somerset at the time of their arrest. Police investigation revealed that Abiyah had also suffered from dental decay and multiple fractures, possibly from a fall weeks before his death.
Tai, who had a medical genetics background, and Naiyahmi denied the charges, claiming they believed Abiyah would recover. However, their attempt to bury him without notifying authorities and the evidence of ongoing neglect led to their conviction.
The court heard of the couple’s eccentric lifestyle, which included Tai’s polygamous beliefs and a legal system they called “slick law.” They had lived off others’ generosity, occupying a shipping container before moving to a caravan. Their neglect culminated in Abiyah’s tragic death, and police bodycam footage showed the couple’s refusal to provide proper care for their child.
Detective Joe Davenport described Tai as an arrogant man who manipulated others, and Naiyahmi, his follower, as weak-minded, prioritizing her partner over the well-being of her own child. The couple will be sentenced next Thursday.
