A 31-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the rape and murder of his two-year-old daughter after her body was discovered at a home in Chertsey, Surrey, last week.
Charges and court appearance
Kevin Kerjean, a French national born in the Central African Republic, has been charged with murder, the rape of a child under 13, and sexual assault of a child under 13. Kerjean was brought before Guildford Crown Court on Monday (June 29) and was remanded in custody ahead of a further hearing scheduled for September 14.
Surrey Police confirmed that the victim was the daughter of Kevin Kerjean.
Police response and investigation
Officers were called to an address in Pyrcroft Road, Chertsey, at around 5.40pm on Thursday (25 June), following reports of a safety concern. Responding officers found the girl dead inside the property, leading to an investigation being set up by the force's Major Crime Team, which remains ongoing to establish the circumstances of her death.
Floral tributes have been left at the scene in Chertsey.
“This is a tragic incident, and our thoughts are with the child’s mother and extended family, as well as all those who knew her,” Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said. “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. We appreciate that the incident itself, as well as the significant police presence, will be concerning for residents and we would like to thank them for their cooperation as we conduct our investigation.”
Background on the suspect
The Home Office has previously confirmed that Kevin Kerjean legally entered the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020. He was granted leave to remain in the UK in March 2021 and received an extension which gave him permission to remain until March 2031.
Appeal for information
Members of the public with any information that might assist Surrey Police's investigation have been asked to get in touch via the Major Incident Public Portal, where dashcam and CCTV footage can also be uploaded, quoting Operation Northwall. If you do not wish to leave your name, please call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
