Man charged with rape and murder after girl’s death

Man Charged with Rape and Murder Following Girl's Death

Man charged with rape and murder - A two-year-old girl's tragic death has prompted charges against a 31-year-old man in Chertsey. The body was discovered at an address on Pyrcroft Road, prompting authorities to respond to a safety concern around 5:40 PM BST on Thursday. Kevin Kerjean, identified as the accused, is also facing charges of raping and sexually assaulting a child under 13. He is scheduled to appear at Guildford Crown Court on Monday.

Surrey Police initially reported the child’s age as three years old, though the exact time of discovery confirms she was two when found. The investigation into her death continues, with officials stating no other suspects are being pursued. Kerjean, a French national born in the Central African Republic, is under scrutiny for the alleged crimes.

Police Statement and Community Reaction

"This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child's family, as well as all those who knew her," said Det Ch Supt Jon Groenen. "Our teams are working hard to build a picture of what happened, and a significant police presence will remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days."

Residents near Syward Place, an apartment complex at the intersection of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road, have left floral tributes at the entrance. Groenen acknowledged the impact of the incident, noting: "We appreciate that the event and the police presence will be concerning for residents. We would like to thank them for their cooperation as we conduct our investigation."

Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook or X for updates. Submit story ideas via southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or reach us via WhatsApp at 08081 002250. HM Courts Service handles the legal proceedings in this case.