Man appears in court accused of murder and rape after girl, 2, found dead
A man has appeared in court charged with murder after the death of a two-year-old girl in Surrey. Kevin Kerjean, 31, a French national born in the Central African Republic, is also accused of rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13.
Officers were called to a property on Pyrcroft Road in Chertsey on Thursday evening, 25 June, at around 5.40pm following concerns raised over safety. The girl was subsequently found dead inside the premises.
Kerjean made his first appearance at Guildford Magistrates Court on Saturday, 27 June, where he was remanded in custody ahead of a hearing at Guildford Crown Court on Monday, 29 June. During his appearance at Crown Court, Kerjean only spoke to confirm his name and sat with his hand covering his face for much of the hearing.
Police have stated that they believe the incident took place within a family setting and that the victim was Kerjean's daughter. A Surrey Police spokesperson said: "We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident."
Judge Patricia Lees ordered that Kerjean next appear in custody for a pre-trial preparation hearing on 14 September, with a three-week trial provisionally scheduled to begin on 4 January at Guildford Crown Court.
Surrey Police confirmed that 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 subsequently received an extension permitting him to remain until March 2031.
The force clarified that speculation circulating online suggesting the incident occurred in an asylum seeker house of multiple occupancy is incorrect.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen said: "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. 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."
Floral tributes have been placed at the entrance to Syward Place, a residential block situated on the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road.