Latest news with #DepartmentofCommunitiesandJustice
The Advertiser
6 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
Perth Now
6 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
NZ Herald
10-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Kathleen Joyce Heggs appears at Parramatta court on murder charges
The parents of two boys who were allegedly killed in Coonabarabran this week paid tribute to their sons, just as the police announced the murder charges against Heggs. Samantha Heggs and Troy Johnson told Nine News that brothers Max, 7, and Sam, 6, were extremely close and adored each other. Nine reported the parents had lost custody of their sons, who were removed by the Department of Communities and Justice about four years ago. Johnson said Max was never sick and was always happy and healthy. 'He was the happiest little kid. He never cried, even as a baby he didn't cry,' he said. '[Sam's] the toughest little kid I've met, the way he went through the pain, the way he beat that cancer, he's my hero.' A candlelit vigil was held in memory of two boys whose bodies were found in a home in regional northwest New South Wales. Max and Sam were found inside a home in Coonabarabran by police conducting a welfare check on Monday. Heggs was arrested at the scene and taken to a mental health facility in Orange. Police believe the grandmother 'attempted to self-harm' before she was arrested and taken to hospital. A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District have commenced an investigation under Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from State Crime Command's Homicide Squad.
The Age
06-05-2025
- Health
- The Age
Coonabarabran: Children removed from parents before alleged murder
The grandmother was the sole carer of the children, Holland said. They moved to Coonabarabran 11 months ago from the state's Central Coast. Holland said the small town with a population of just 2500 was coming to terms with the boys' deaths. Something like this would affect the community 'in a very, very hard way,' he said. 'A death in a small community has an impact on the whole community, the death of two young innocent boys has a major impact.' Loading The Department of Communities and Justice became involved in the children's care due to concerns for their welfare several years ago. One of the boys had diagnosed with cancer, sources told the Herald . They were removed from their parents, who live elsewhere in the state, towards the end of the COVID pandemic. The boys were then put under the care of the minister and placed with their grandmother in what is called kinship care. There are no other children in the family. The boys' biological parents had been informed and were not doing well, Holland said. 'Anyone confronted with the death of one child under these circumstances, let alone two, would be struggling,' he said. There were 'no warning signs' ahead of the tragedy, one police source said, and the grandmother had no criminal background or documented history of mental health concerns. 'She was known to police, but not adversely,' Holland said. She and the children lived at the home with her partner, who was not present at the time of the tragedy. Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady described the boys as two 'little firecracker kids'. Credit: Nine In a social media post describing the boys as two 'little firecracker kids', Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady said his 'heart is broken alongside the whole community'. 'They were amongst it all, 100 miles an hour ... wild as march hares and cute as buttons! So devastating for all,' Brady wrote. If you or anyone you know needs help, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (and see 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), the National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service on 1800 211 028 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800. Start the day with a summary of the day's most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.
Daily Mail
06-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Harrowing new details emerge from the Coonabarabran house of horror where two boys, aged 6 and 7, were killed and their grandmother arrested
Police have detailed the disturbing scene inside the home where they found two young boys dead and their grandmother close to death with self-inflicted wounds. Officers had rushed to the property in Coonabarabran, in central-west NSW, at 2pm on Monday after a desperate call from their maternal grandmother, 66. The woman had phoned the Department of Communities and Justice at 1.30pm to say her grandsons, Sam, six and Max, seven, were dead and she needed help. NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said police forced their way into the property and came across the body of one of the boys. They found the grandmother who had 'attempted to self-harm, and police prevented her from further harming herself', he added. They then found the body of the young boy's brother in another room. Both children are believed to have been smothered to death. 'It's a confronting tragedy and should not have occurred,' said the police chief on Tuesday. 'These things shock small country towns. The death of one child is bad enough - the death of two is just incomprehensible.' Mr Holland revealed the grandmother had been placed in a mental health facility in Orange and it was unclear how long she would remain there. But he said she would likely face serious charges as soon as she was released. The deaths of the boys were being treated as an alleged double murder, he said. There were 'no weapons' involved in the incident, he said. The grandmother was 'known to police, but not adversely at this time'. Officers were aware of her from another matter reported in the past. Mr Holland said the grandmother and her two grandsons had moved to the property from the NSW Central Coast about 11 months ago. The six-year-old boy had been battling cancer since birth, The Daily Telegraph reports. The four-bedroom property, set on 2.5 hectares, had been bought exactly one year ago for $405,000. The boys' biological parents had been advised about their deaths, and so had the other set of grandparents, Mr Holland said. On Tuesday afternoon, detectives in forensics gear could be seen examining a vehicle at the house, a single-storey property located down a dirt road in a patch of bushland just outside town. Officers spent several hours searching a Mazda BT50 that was parked in the garage. The doors of the vehicle were open and one of the dectives could be seen shining a torch into the front dashboard of the car. Outside the house, laundry was still hanging from a washing line near a basketball hoop. The front neighbour of the house was going about his afternoon chores, but declined to speak to Daily Mail Australia. 'No comment, mate,' he said. Local MP for the NSW electorate of Barwon, Roy Butler, acknowledged the tragedy on Facebook, saying his heart went out to the local community. 'The death of any child is always devastating. In a small, close community, where everyone is connected in some way, it hits the community even harder,' he said. 'Any death is tragic, but in circumstances where it's avoidable, it causes even more pain.' Peter, a local karate instructor, said the boys used to attend his classes accompanied by their grandmother, who often assisted during the sessions. 'To be honest, when I found out what had happened yesterday, I was amazed,' he told The Daily Telegraph. 'Their grandmother would come along to class with them and help out. She was so willing to get in here and hold the bags, with all the different kids kicking the bags and stuff, she didn't shirk it.' A post mortem will be carried out today. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb described the deaths as a 'terrible, terrible tragedy'. 'This is a truly horrific tragedy involving children so young,' Commissioner Webb said. 'Our hearts go out to the family of these boys, and to the entire community who will be devastated by what has happened today.' Commissioner Webb said resources would be made available to help local police, first responders, the distraught family and the wider community. She added the State Crime Command has also sent detectives from Sydney's homicide squad to assist local police in the investigation. Coonabarabran is a small rural town, which has a population of less than 2,400 people. Heartbreaking tributes for the brothers have been shared on social media as the tight-knit community woke to the tragic news. 'Two little firecracker kids,' local councillor Kodi Brady wrote in a tribute on social media. 'They were amongst it all, 100 miles an hour, involved in soccer, karate, wild as march hares and cute as buttons! 'So devastating for all. It makes me sick to think how their last minutes were spent.' NSW Premier Chris Minns described the day as 'terrible', claiming the whole state would share in the community's grief. 'What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,' Premier Minns said. 'I can not begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends, and teachers. 'I thank the local officers who attended the scene for their professionalism and bravery in the face of such a horrible event.' Strike Force Darnum has been set up to investigate the tragedy.
