Chertsey murder suspect had leave to remain in UK, police say
Kevin Kerjean, 31, has been charged with murder, rape and sexual assault after a two-year-old girl was found dead at a property on Pyrcroft Road in Chertsey. Surrey Police say the French national entered the UK legally and held leave to remain until March 2031 — a detail officials released amid heavy public scrutiny and online speculation.
Key Takeaways
- French national Kevin Kerjean, 31, faces murder, rape and sexual assault charges linked to a child's death in Chertsey.
- Police called to Pyrcroft Road about 17:40 BST on Thursday found the girl dead inside the property.
- The Home Office confirmed Kerjean had legal entry and leave to remain valid until March 2031.
- Officers believe the incident happened within a family setting and are not seeking anyone else.
- Kerjean was remanded in custody; his next court date is 14 September at Guildford Crown Court.
What happened in Chertsey?
Surrey Police were called to an address on Pyrcroft Road in Chertsey at about 17:40 BST on Thursday following reports of a concern for someone's safety. Officers found a two-year-old girl dead inside the property.
French national Kevin Kerjean, who was born in the Central African Republic, was arrested at an apartment complex on Pyrcroft Road. He has been charged with murder, the rape of a child under 13 and sexual assault of a child under 13.
Detective Chief Superintendent Jon Groenen called it "a tragic incident" and said teams were "working hard to build a picture of what happened." A significant police presence is expected to remain on Pyrcroft Road in the coming days.
Who has been charged with the girl's murder?
Kerjean, 31, appeared at Guildford Magistrates' Court on Saturday and was remanded in custody. On Monday he appeared at Guildford Crown Court via video-link from HMP Wandsworth, speaking through an interpreter to confirm his name.
Police say the child was known to Kerjean and that they believe the incident took place "within a family setting." At this stage, Surrey Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.
The force had initially said the girl was three, but later confirmed she was two years old. For more coverage of major UK homicide probes, see our True Crime & Unsolved Mysteries section.
Did the suspect have leave to remain in Britain?
Yes. According to a Surrey Police spokesperson, the Home Office confirmed Kerjean legally entered the UK and applied for European Union Settled Status in December 2020. He was granted leave to remain in March 2021 and received an extension allowing him to stay until March 2031.
Police released the immigration detail as inaccurate claims spread online — including rumours that the incident occurred in an asylum seeker house of multiple occupancy. The force said those rumours were "incorrect," BBC News reported.
How has the Chertsey community responded?
On Thursday, several bouquets of flowers were left at the entrance to Syward Place, an apartment complex at the corner of Pyrcroft Road and Bell Bridge Road. Groenen thanked local residents for their cooperation as investigators continued their work.
The Major Crime Team is leading the inquiry. Kerjean has been remanded until a further hearing at Guildford Crown Court on 14 September.