Yasmeen Ali (43) has been charged with three counts of murder following the deaths of her children in Bristol last year. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised the charges after a complex 19-month investigation.
The three children - seven-year-old Fares Bash, three-year-old Joury Bash and nine-month-old Mohammed Bash - were found dead at their home in Blaise Walk, Sea Mills on February 18, 2024. Police were called to the property in the early hours following a 999 call.
Forensic post-mortem examinations revealed all three siblings died from knife injuries. Ali remains in the care of mental health services and will appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court at a date yet to be confirmed.
Investigation findings
Chief Inspector Keith Smith said: "This has been an extremely complex and highly sensitive investigation, resulting in charges being authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service." He emphasised the devastating impact on the children's loved ones and the wider Sea Mills community.
According to BBC and WalesOnline reports, the knife wounds were specifically to the children's necks and chests. The eldest child Fares showed possible signs of asphyxia during the post-mortem examination.
Andrew Pritchard of the Crown Prosecution Service said: "I have decided that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial and that it is in the public interest to pursue criminal proceedings." He reminded all concerned that proceedings are now active and the suspect has a right to a fair trial.
Community response
The Sea Mills community has shown remarkable resilience over the past 19 months since the tragedy. WalesOnline and Independent report that hundreds of people attended a community vigil in late February 2024 to remember the three children.
The father, Alfil Bash, described his eldest son Fares as a "genius boy" who loved football, singing and maths, according to WalesOnline and Independent coverage. The family's loss has deeply affected those who knew them.
Police have asked people to refrain from speculation and consider the impact of commentary on those continuing to mourn. BBC and WalesOnline report that police self-referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct over prior contact, but no investigation was required.
Sources used: "PA Media", "Bristol Post", "BBC", "WalesOnline", "Independent"
Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
