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The public inquiry into the brutal stabbings that claimed the lives of two university students has ignited outrage over the handling of toxicology testing. During the hearings, it was revealed that while the victims underwent testing for drugs and alcohol, their attacker, Valdo Calocane, did not. This discrepancy has raised serious questions about the investigative protocols in place following the tragic events of 13 June 2023.
Victims Remembered
Barnaby Webber and Grace O’Malley-Kumar, both 19, were fatally attacked while returning home from a night out. Their families have been vocal about their grief and the inadequacies of the subsequent investigation. At the inquiry, Grace’s father, Dr Sanjoy Kumar, expressed his “disgust” over the fact that his daughter and her friend were subjected to toxicology tests while their murderer was not.
Calocane, who is facing charges related to the deaths of Barnaby and Grace, as well as the killing of Ian Coates and the attempted murder of three others, refused to give consent for toxicology samples during his time in custody. This lack of testing has left a significant void in the investigation, according to the families of the victims.
Inappropriate Access to Medical Records
The inquiry, led by retired judge Deborah Taylor KC, has also uncovered troubling revelations about the handling of medical records. It was disclosed that sensitive information belonging to the victims was accessed improperly following their deaths. This incident compounded the families’ distress as they sought answers and closure.
Dr Kumar recounted a particularly unsettling experience when he and Grace’s mother were coerced into signing a “human tissue form” to facilitate their daughter’s body release. He stated that the implications of this form were not adequately explained, leading to confusion and further anguish. “You had to sign them, but what was not highlighted was that this is a point in time where you are also signing to say samples could be taken,” he noted.
The Role of Nottinghamshire Police
Testimony from David and Emma Webber, Barnaby’s parents, revealed their anger towards Nottinghamshire Police, especially after discovering that some officers had shared insensitive messages about the incident in a WhatsApp group. Emma described reading the messages as “so destructive, so destroying, so awful.” The police department has since apologised for their failures in handling toxicology samples and the sharing of unprofessional communications.
The inquiry is also examining the mental health support provided to Calocane prior to the attacks. He had been diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020 and was discharged from care months before the stabbings. Sinead O’Malley-Kumar, Grace’s mother, highlighted concerns regarding whether Calocane’s medical history was adequately considered during his assessment by forensic psychiatrist Prof Nigel Blackwood, who provided reports to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
The Families’ Fight for Justice
The families of the victims have been unwavering in their pursuit of justice throughout the inquiry. They have consistently challenged the Crown Prosecution Service and police regarding the handling of toxicology testing, insisting it was vital to exclude any possibility of drug influence in the attack. Despite their efforts, they were dismayed to learn that no samples were taken from Calocane, leaving them with lingering questions.
David Webber articulated the pain of being informed about his son’s death only hours after police had identified him as one of the victims. This distress was compounded by their attempts to track Barnaby’s phone, which led them to the realisation that he was involved in the tragic incident. “It just makes me feel physically sick to be honest with you,” he said of the situation.
Why it Matters
This inquiry has brought to light significant deficiencies in the protocols followed by law enforcement and healthcare providers in the wake of a tragedy. The families of Barnaby, Grace, and Ian deserve not only answers but also accountability from the agencies involved. Their fight for justice underscores the need for systemic changes in how violent incidents are investigated, particularly in ensuring that both victims and perpetrators are treated with dignity and respect. The fallout from these events will likely have lasting implications for public trust in the police and mental health services, emphasising the urgent need for reform in the wake of such tragedies.
