Coomera: Two people charged with murder over 12-year-old Gold Coast girl’s death

A man and a woman have been charged with murder over the death of a 12-year-old Gold Coast girl after what police have described as a ‘heart-wrenching and complex investigation’.

The girl was found unresponsive and later declared dead after emergency services were called to a home in Coomera in April.

It is understood the girl suffered from several health conditions and a post-mortem was conducted to determine the cause of her death.

Detectives working with Operation Zoyisa, set up to investigate the circumstances surrounding the girl’s death, earlier this week charged a 37-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman with murder.

The pair, who were both known to the girl, are due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

Detective Inspector Paul Fletcher from the Gold Coast District vulnerable persons unit said the investigation had been one of the most “heart-wrenching and complex we’ve had to conduct”.

“From the moment the investigation commenced, our priority has been to seek justice for this innocent child, who was tragically failed by those known to her.

“It is deeply distressing to investigate the death of any child, but the circumstances surrounding this case have been particularly confronting for our officers.

“Our detectives have worked diligently, using every resource available to ensure we could bring this investigation to a close and ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.”

Detective Inspector Fletcher also acknowledged the impact the case has had on the community and those close to the victim.

“We understand the grief and pain this has caused the community, and we hope these arrests bring some level of comfort to those who knew and loved this young girl. While nothing can undo the tragic loss of life, we are committed to ensuring justice is served.”