Bradford mum in court accused of murdering her two daughters

Samira Lupidi is accused of stabbing to death one-year-old Jasmine Weaver and three-year-old Evelyn Lupidi who were found at a property in Bradford last Wednesday.

The 24-year-old appeared via video-link, looking drawn and pale, for her 11 minute hearing on Monday at Bradford Crown Court.

During the brief appearance the court heard that “the principal issue the defence will be interested in is the defendant’s state of mind”, and that expert witnesses will be needed.

Dressed in a grey tracksuit top and bottoms, looking pale, and with her long black hair tied back in a plait, Lupidi spent the whole time on screen staring at her hands, which were on her lap.

She spoke only to confirm her name, confirm that she could hear the judge and when she was told she will remain in custody.

Answering each question, Lupidi replied “yep” or “yes”, with the trace of an accent.

The court heard an Italian interpreter would be needed at further hearings.

One of the reasons given by the prosecution for Lupidi not getting bail was a fear she would seriously herself.

Philip Adams, prosecuting, said she told one person “she was going to kill herself” and told a special contstable searching her that “her life was not worth living”.

This was, the court heard, a sentiment she later shared with a doctor.

A timetable for the upcoming trial was mapped out today, with a plea and case management hearing scheduled for February 15 and a trail date set for May 9.