The mom who stabbed her baby to death is found dead in prison

Six years into her 17-year-long sentence for stabbing her baby with a pair of scissors, Rachel Tunstill dies in prison.

Back in 2017, she stabbed her baby girl, Mia Kelly, more than 15 times in the bathroom of their Burnley home and threw her lifeless body in a bin.

Tunstill was initially convicted of murder and handed a life sentence with minimum term of 20 years, but a re-trial proved the jury in the case should have been offered a verdict of infanticide to consider. During the re-trial she was once again convicted of murder and put behind bars for a minimum of 17 years.

“HMP Styal prisoner Rachel Tunstill died in custody on 1 August 2023. As with all deaths in custody, the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman will investigate,” a spokesperson from the Prison Service confirmed the news of her passing.

Credit: Lancashire Police

At the time she gave birth, her boyfriend was playing video games in the next room. She then told him she had a miscarriage and asked for the scissors after which she remorselessly stabbed the baby to death.

At the time of sentencing, the judge, Mr Justice King, said: “This must have been a sustained and frenzied attack on a victim who because of her age was particularly vulnerable. Her duty to her newborn baby was to cradle and comfort her – not to stab her to death.

“There was here in my judgement concealment of the body, albeit short-lived and in addition there was undoubtedly the indignity which was wrought upon the body by disposing of it in the way she did.”

HMP Styal where Tunstill served her life sentence
Credit: Liverpool Echo

Tunstill was a university master’s graduate in forensic psychology.

“She showed no emotion or remorse for stabbing her baby to death,” said Mr Justice King.

Dog found in dumpster wrapped up in duct tape: “I have never seen anything like it”

Some stories leave us shocked, horrified, and heartbroken all at once. The case of a defenseless dog, found tightly bound in duct tape and thrown away like garbage, is one of them. But amidst the cruelty, there is hope—this dog’s story has a happy ending.

A Shocking Discovery in the Dumpster

On April 15, the Nebraska Humane Society shared a disturbing case that left many speechless. It all started when a concerned citizen reported strange noises coming from a dumpster. At first, they thought it was a raccoon rummaging through the trash, but what they found was far worse.

Inside the dumpster, an animal control officer discovered a small dog, completely immobilized. His head, tail, and legs were tightly wrapped in duct tape, leaving him unable to move or even see. His fur was matted with food and debris, showing clear signs of neglect.

A Case of Unimaginable Cruelty

One of the officers on the scene, Kevin Wiederin, described his shock to KETV:

“I have never seen anything like it. His muzzle was completely sealed, his eyes covered, and his legs bound. He was just sitting there, completely helpless.”

Video : Dog found in dumpster wrapped up in duct tape: “I have never seen anything like it”

The level of cruelty left animal rescuers sickened. Someone had deliberately taped the dog from head to toe and abandoned him to die. Even more chilling, the timing of the rescue was a miracle—just 30 minutes later, a garbage truck came to empty the dumpster. Had he not been found, he would have been crushed.

A Resilient Survivor: The Dog’s Incredible Recovery

After being freed, the dog was rushed to the Nebraska Humane Society’s medical team. To avoid further distress, veterinarians sedated him before carefully removing the duct tape. Some areas had to be shaved due to the tangled mess of tape and dirt.

Despite everything, this little fighter was surprisingly healthy and in good spirits. Staff noted that he had only mild skin irritation and even wagged his tail during the examination. It was a sign that, despite the cruelty he endured, he still trusted humans.

A Microchip Leads to a Heartwarming Reunion

As they cleaned him up, shelter staff made an exciting discovery—the dog had a microchip. Scanning it revealed his name: Leo.

Leo had gone missing days earlier, and his owner, Erin Dillon-Pasillas, had been frantically searching for him. She had contacted shelters, posted online, and checked every lead, hoping to find her beloved dog.

“When I got the call, I was shaking,” Erin shared. “I kept thinking, please let it be him, please let it be Leo.

Reuniting With His Loving Owner

When Erin arrived at the shelter, her worries turned to joy as she saw her little dog, alive and well. Leo immediately recognized her, running into her arms.

Though thrilled to have him back, Erin was devastated to learn what he had endured. “He’s the sweetest dog,” she said. “I can’t imagine why anyone would do this to him.

She thanked the Nebraska Humane Society for their efforts and vowed to shower Leo with love and care, starting with a warm bath and a check-up at the vet.

Who Did This? Authorities Seek Answers

While Leo’s rescue is a miracle, his case is far from closed. The Nebraska Humane Society is seeking information on who committed this heinous act.

Video : Puppy found in dumpster in Oklahoma: Two arrested for animal cruelty

There were no security cameras near the dumpster, making the investigation difficult. However, they are offering a $1,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest. Anyone with information is urged to contact Animal Services at 402-444-7800.

A Story of Both Cruelty and Kindness

Leo’s case is a reminder that animal cruelty still exists, but also that good people fight to stop it. From the citizen who made the call, to the officers who rescued him, to the shelter staff who nursed him back to health—kindness won in the end.

While the person responsible remains unknown, one thing is clear: Leo is now safe, loved, and back where he belongs.

Justice must be served. No animal deserves such cruelty. If you know anything about Leo’s case, speak up. Let’s ensure those responsible are held accountable.

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