Parents Receive Life Sentences for Brutal Murder of 13-Week-Old Son
A father wiped away crocodile tears as he and his wife were handed life sentences for the horrific murder of their baby son, whom he had referred to as a 'monster' and 'it'. Miguel Pirjani, aged just 13 weeks, died in November 2024 after being systematically abused by his parents, leaving him with 41 broken bones and a fatal brain bleed.
Systematic Abuse and Tragic Death
The tiny youngster was subjected to repeated assaults during his tragically short life, culminating in his death at Alder Hey Children's Hospital in Liverpool. Emergency services were called to the family home in Seacombe, Wirral, on November 24, 2024, after Klevi Pirjani reported that Miguel was unresponsive, telling the operator: 'It just stopped breathing'.
Doctors discovered extensive injuries, including bruising on the left side of his head, a skull fissure, bleeding on the brain, and fractures to his right collarbone, left upper arm, and left shin. A post-mortem examination revealed further trauma, such as retinal haemorrhages, displaced skull bones, and a fatal hypoxic ischaemic brain injury.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
At Liverpool Crown Court, Mr Justice Baker condemned what he called 'an abuse of power and gross abuse of trust of the bond between a baby and parents'. He told Klevi Pirjani, 37, and Nivalda Pirjani, 34: 'You were his parents, and you killed him by what must have been an act of appalling violence.'
The judge noted that while it was 'more probable' Miguel's head was battered by his father, both parents were complicit, stating: 'You were in this together, encouraging each other.' During the trial, the couple had tried to blame each other for the murder, with Nivalda alleging Klevi had 'lost control' and assaulted their son.
Minimum Terms and Mitigation
Klevi Pirjani, who appeared to shed tears during sentencing, must serve at least 19 years before any chance of release. Nivalda Pirjani, who sat with folded arms and stared ahead, received a minimum term of 15 years and three months. Mr Justice Baker acknowledged Nivalda's post-natal depression and expression of remorse but found it 'shallow' due to her efforts to fight the trial.
Despite Klevi's difficult childhood in Albania, affected by armed conflict and family deaths, no mitigation was considered sufficient. The judge emphasized that the fatal trauma involved a heavy blow or series of blows to Miguel's head, though the exact details remain 'the guilty secret of a warped relationship'.
Investigation and Aftermath
Detective Inspector Holly Chance of Merseyside Police said: 'Baby Miguel's life was cruelly cut short at the hands of his parents who were meant to nurture and protect him.' Floral tributes piled up outside the family home, and Miguel's wider family expressed grief over not seeing him grow up.
During interviews, Nivalda gave a prepared statement describing Klevi as abusive and violent, while Klevi disputed her claims and questioned whether some injuries resulted from resuscitation efforts. The prosecution noted that Miguel's broken bones were of varying ages, indicating prolonged abuse.
