The Clarence Children
When 42-year-old Tania Clarence was left alone to care for her three young children, all of whom suffered from spinal muscular atrophy, the immense strain of caregiving and a failing support system culminated in an unthinkable tragedy. This episode explores how systemic failures, relentless pressure, and deteriorating mental health led to the deaths of Olivia, Ben, and Max Clarence.

Key details:
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Victims: ​
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Olivia Clarence – 4 years old
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Max Clarence – 3 years old (twin pictured)
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Ben Clarence – 3 years old (twin pictured)
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Perpetrators:
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Tania Clarence 42 years old at the time of the crime
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Date of Murder:
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22nd April 2014
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Location: New Malden, South London
Key Details
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Background & Family Life
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Tania Clarence was born in 1971 in South Africa and later trained as a graphic designer.
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She met Gary Clarence, an investment banker, and they married in 1997 before moving to the UK.
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The couple had their first child, Taya, in 2006, followed by Olivia in 2009 and then twins Max and Ben in 2010.
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The twins were born prematurely at 26 weeks while the family was on holiday in Portugal, requiring four months in neonatal intensive care.
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Diagnosis & Medical Struggles
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Olivia was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) Type 2 at around two years old while staying with relatives in South Africa.
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After returning to the UK, Max and Ben began showing similar symptoms and were diagnosed with the same condition.
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SMA Type 2 is a severe, life-limiting genetic disorder, affecting muscle function but not cognitive ability.
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The children's condition required 24/7 care, with constant medical interventions, respiratory support, and therapy.
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The family were involved with over 60 healthcare professionals, including doctors, therapists, and social workers.
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Caregiver Burnout & Mental Health Decline
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Tania became the primary caregiver, as Gary worked to financially support the family.
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She was under immense physical and emotional strain, described as frequently exhausted, tearful, and overwhelmed.
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Despite multiple offers of mental health support, she declined assistance.
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There were conflicts with medical professionals, as Tania and Gary believed quality of life should be prioritised over extending life at any cost.
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They requested "do not resuscitate" (DNR) orders for their children, a controversial decision that caused friction with doctors.
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The family faced constant, often unannounced visits from social workers, therapists, and healthcare staff, leading to feelings of scrutiny and intrusion.
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The Crime (22nd April 2014)
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Gary took 8-year-old Taya to South Africa for a holiday, leaving Tania alone with Olivia, Max, and Ben.
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Tania sent their nanny, Jade, home for the day and night.
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That evening, she smothered her three children using a nappy.
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After the killings, she placed their bodies in their beds, tucking them in with their favourite toys.
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Tania attempted to take her own life, sustaining serious self-inflicted injuries.
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Her mother, concerned about not being able to contact her, called Jade, who arrived at the home with a friend and a pastor.
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They found Tania in bed, dazed and saying "It's too late".Upon searching the house, the children’s bodies were discovered, and police were called.
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Tania was arrested immediately and hospitalised due to her injuries.
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Legal Proceedings
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25th April 2014 – Tania appeared at Wimbledon Magistrates Court, where she was charged with murder.
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29th April 2014 – A bail hearing resulted in her being remanded to a secure hospital under the Mental Health Act.
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July 2014 – Psychiatric evaluations confirmed she had been experiencing a major depressive episode, significantly impairing her rational judgment.
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September 2014 – Tania pleaded guilty to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
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18th November 2014 – She was sentenced to an indefinite hospital order under the Mental Health Act, meaning she would remain in psychiatric care until she fully recovered.
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Aftermath & Systemic Failures
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A serious case review was conducted by Kingston Local Safeguarding Children's Board.
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Findings highlighted systemic failures, including:
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A lack of coordination among 60+ professionals involved in the family's care.
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Missed opportunities for early intervention and mental health support for Tania.
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A failure to address the parents' concerns over invasive medical treatments.
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A perception that their middle-class status meant they could cope without additional safeguarding.
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In 2015, Tania was allowed phased reintegration into the family home.
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Gary stood by her, and she was allowed weekend visits home under supervision.
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Her current status remains private, with no further public information.