James Stedman Roberts

Child, Youth and Family says it worked with the family of a 5-year-old child who died after suffering a serious head injury but investigations "did not establish evidence of physical abuse". A man accused of murdering a 5-year-old autistic boy has been found dead. James Stedman Roberts was due to stand trial for the murder of his step-son Leon Jayet-Cole later this year. But this morning he was found dead at a Christchurch property where he was on electronically-monitored bail... Leon was rushed to hospital after suffering a serious head injury at his Papanui home on May 27 last year. He died in hospital the following day. Roberts was charged with his murder. The trial was set down to begin on October 31. Leon's mother Emma Jayet, 38, had initially stood by Roberts. But NZME understands that she told Roberts last week that their marriage was over after seeing the boy's final autopsy report, which outlined his extensive injuries. She had also sought the views of an independent pathologist.Source: https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/man-accused-of-killing-child-found-de...