Inquest Reveals Contradictory Evidence in Toddler River Tragedy
A coroner's court has heard that a two-year-old boy who drowned after falling into a river was actually a significant distance from his family members, despite their claims they were just a few baby steps away. The heartbreaking case centres on the death of Xielo Maruziva, who tragically lost his life in the River Soar in Leicester during a winter walk in February 2024.
CCTV Footage Contradicts Family Account
Xielo's aunt, Nicole Maruziva, had told the inquest at Leicester City Hall that she was only a few baby steps away from the child when the incident occurred. However, Detective Inspector Kevin Hames presented evidence that directly contradicted this statement after reviewing available CCTV footage.
The footage showed that it took Nicole between five and six seconds to reach the point where the two-year-old fell into the water. While the camera angle from Aylestone Meadows made precise distance calculations impossible, the time elapsed suggested a greater separation than initially described.
Coroner's Court Demonstration
To help visualise the distance covered in five seconds, coroner Professor Catherine Mason asked DI Hames to stand up and walk across the room for that duration. The demonstration covered several metres, prompting the coroner to ask whether this represented a greater distance than had been described in court.
DI Hames confirmed that it did, stating he was confident the actual distance was more than "a few baby steps" and represented a significant distance between the child and his family members at the critical moment.
The Tragic Winter Walk
The inquest heard that Xielo had been out for a walk with his aunt Nicole and his great-aunt Memory on the evening of Sunday, February 18, 2024, near his father Bradley Maruziva's home in Leicester. The group was crossing the historic Packhorse Bridge in Aylestone Meadows at approximately 5pm when the tragedy unfolded.
Nicole described to the court how Xielo was walking ahead of the two women as they crossed the bridge, which features low stone walls on either side. Xielo was a bit ahead of us and I could see him turn, she testified. I saw Xielo from the side and he took a step and he wasn't there anymore.
Desperate Rescue Attempts
Nicole immediately jumped into the river in an attempt to save her nephew, but found herself struggling in the strong current while unable to see the child in the muddy water. I ran. I looked down and I jumped into the water, she told the court. I couldn't see him because the water was so muddy. I was using my arms to find him. It was deep water, up to my chest.
After making a panicked call to Xielo's father, Bradley Maruziva raced to the scene from his nearby home. He described jumping directly into the strong current, which immediately pulled him underwater. Because I directly jumped in, it took me underneath, he recalled. It took me under the bridge, and I had to hold on to a branch because I physically didn't have any strength. I was just trying to search.
Mr Maruziva remained in the water for 15 to 20 minutes before police physically dragged him from the river after he refused their pleas to climb out. He was subsequently rushed to hospital suffering from hypothermia.
Extended Search and Investigation
The hearing also examined why it took approximately an hour before Xielo's mother, Kayela Smith, was informed that her only son was missing in the river, despite the rapid response of Leicestershire Police. DI Hames explained that it would have been very chaotic and the priority would have been to find Xielo and save his life.
Tragically, Xielo's body was not recovered until four months after the incident, despite extensive searches being carried out in the weeks following the tragedy. The inquest continues to examine the full circumstances surrounding this devastating loss.
