A 31-year-old man charged with murder after a two-year-old girl was found dead in Chertsey has been revealed to have had UK leave to remain until 2031. Kevin Kerjean, a French national born in the Central African Republic, faces multiple charges including murder, rape, and sexual assault of a child under 13. His court appearance is scheduled for Monday at Guildford Crown Court.
The police's confirmation comes after initial reports sparked speculation that the incident occurred at an asylum seeker house of multiple occupancy (HMO). However, Surrey Police clarified this was not accurate, stating that Kerjean had entered the UK lawfully and held European Union Settled Status. His application for settled status was submitted in December 2020, and he was granted leave to remain in March 2021 with an extension allowing him to stay until 2031.
The investigation is centred around a family setting, with the child who died known to Kerjean. The police have confirmed they are not currently seeking any other individuals in connection with the incident. Following the tragic event, bouquets of flowers were placed at Syward Place, an apartment complex near the incident site.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen described the incident as 'tragic' and assured the public that investigative teams are working diligently to build a picture of what happened. He also confirmed a significant police presence would remain in Pyrcroft Road over the coming days to facilitate their work, extending gratitude to local residents for their cooperation.