Community searches for answers about Sophia Rose's death allegedly at the hands of her mother

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3 hours ago

On Regency Road, you can hear the ocean a couple of blocks away.
It's the peaceful beachfront lifestyle that draws young families and retirees alike to streets like this in Moore Park Beach, just north of Bundaberg.
But when piercing screams cut through the air, neighbours were alerted to something terribly wrong.
It was Monday afternoon on May 26, and families were just returning from work and school.
"The lady over the road came over to me crying and said the little girl's been stabbed," neighbour Derek Condon recalls.
Little Sophia Rose lay lifeless in the front yard.
Her mother, Lauren Flanigan, was metres away, allegedly holding a knife.
"I was about to run over … but the police turned up, luckily," Mr Condon said.
Within hours, Ms Flanigan was charged with her three-year-old daughter's murder.
Five days later, the 32-year-old was found unresponsive in her cell at one of Queensland's most secure prisons — the Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre.
Lauren Flanigan later died from what was called an unexplained medical episode.
The state coroner is now investigating the deaths of the mother and daughter.
It's left the family shattered and a community reeling by what happened that afternoon in Moore Park.
The cross on the front door gives the first clue that the low-set home was a Christian household.
A baby walker and a toy ride-on car in the front yard and a white SUV parked in the driveway give further clues that this was a young household.
Police tape guarding the home is a jolting reminder that this was also a crime scene.
Lauren Flanigan and Sophia's father had separated and were living apart.
It was in the following months that neighbours described a change in Ms Flanigan as she became more involved with her church.
Ms Flanigan had joined the Alive Church in Bundaberg and was baptised in December 2024.
There, Ms Flanigan took part in ministry groups and regularly attended Sunday worship services along with little Sophia Rose, even up until the day before the toddler's death.
The Christian church describes its mission as simple: "to help people experience Jesus, live an empowered life of freedom in Him, and experience life-giving community".
Live music and singing are an integral part of their sermons.
Senior Pastor Joey Ryan said the church was devastated by what happened.
"Sophia was such a beautiful little girl," she said.
Lauren Flanigan's social media posts offer a glimpse into her life in the months before she allegedly killed her daughter.
Posts dating back to September 2024 depict a series of loving family photographs showing a smiling Sophia Rose dancing in a blush-coloured lace and tulle dress and bows in her hair.
Jump forward to May 2025, the next series of posts becomes increasingly intense, with evangelical messages about a "Kingdom Rising" and walking into battle "clothed in fire. Covered in grace. Armored by God."
The final post calls on others to "train like it's war" because "God is calling His army out of hiding."
"Tag your generals. It's time to RISE".
The Queensland Police Service won't say whether the social media posts were being investigated as the matter is now before the coroner.
Almost two weeks on from Sophia Rose's alleged murder, there are still reminders of the little girl with the beaming smile.
A beachside toy library, where children can borrow buckets and spades to play in the sand, has become a memorial to her.
Flowers, soft toys, and handwritten poems remain.
"We loved her, and all the little moments," said Sophia's daycare teacher, Libby French, at a vigil attended by hundreds a week ago.
"The way she twirled, in the way she laughed, and the way she held our hand.
The community around Moore Park Beach is still searching for answers about how such a tragedy could happen on their quiet suburban street.