Lowood, Queensland: Mother charged with murder after 4yo girl found unresponsive in home
The young girl was at home with two siblings, both aged under three, when she was allegedly murdered.
A mother has been charged with murdering her four-year-old girl in an incident police have described as “terribly tragic”.
Two other children, both aged under three, were at home when the horrific alleged killing was carried out at a Queensland property on Monday.
About 11.10pm, emergency services were called to a home on McInnes Street in Lowood, near Ipswich, after reports of a deceased child.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police confirmed that the mother was the one who contacted them.
The girl was found unresponsive and medical assistance was provided, however she was declared dead at the scene. The other two children were unharmed.
The child’s 31-year-old mother was charged with one count of murder - domestic violence against a child on Tuesday morning.
Det-Insp. Michael Manago said it was not considered a reckless indifference murder, where there is no intent to kill.
He said the incident had “shocked the community”.
“This is an incredibly tragic situation, which is even more tragic given the presence of the other young children in the dwelling at the time,” he said.
“Our thoughts are with the child’s family and everyone else that’s been affected by this incident.”
Det-Insp. Manago praised the efforts of first responders who attended the scene which he described as “confronting”.
“It’s always terribly tragic when someone loses their life, especially someone so young in the community,” he said.
“It was a terribly confronting scene for those responding and we’re offering all our support.”
While police could not confirm the child’s cause of death to the media on Tuesday, the Courier Mail has reported that the incident may have been a deliberate drowning.
Det-Insp. Manago confirmed that a distraught man seen on CCTV near the house, who he believed was one of the three children’s fathers.
At the time, the woman is believed to have been the only adult inside the house, which remains a crime scene.
The woman is expected to appear in court on Tuesday afternoon.
Her other two children are in the care of family members.
Anyone with information about the family is urged to contact police or Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000.
If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, phone 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Crisis Care Helpline on 1800 199 008.
