Latest news with #MooreParkBeach
Daily Mail
26-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Sophia Rose farewelled by loved ones after her tragic death
A three-year-old girl who was stabbed to death by her mother has been farewelled by loved ones just two days before her fourth birthday. Sophia Rose was killed by her mother, Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, on the front lawn of their home in Moore Park Beach, in Queensland, on May 26. Her younger siblings, aged one and two, were inside the home at the time. Flanigan, 32, was charged with her daughter's murder but died after being found unresponsive inside her Brisbane jail cell. She never entered a plea. Sophia's funeral service was held in Victoria on Saturday, where her father Jai Ruane, 39, and her siblings have since relocated. 'Instead of celebrating Sophia's fourth birthday, we're having a funeral,' Mr Ruane told the Courier Mail. 'A funeral that shouldn't be happening, as there is supposed to be systems in place to protect children but that clearly failed.' He said Sophia's birthdays were always special occasions for the family. Her first birthday involved a lavish cake, her second was celebrated twice, and her third was crowned with a fairy-themed party. 'Now, this weekend's going to be a big event, but it's not a birthday,' he said. Mr Ruane last saw his daughter two weeks before she died. His job as a fly-in-fly-out miner meant that his trips home to his family wee intermittent. He recalled holding her hand at their local zoo and a Hungry Jack's lunch. It was an otherwise ordinary day, he said, but now one he will never forget. Mr Ruane still has a drawing the three-year-old made for him that day. Attendees at Sophia's funeral were asked to wear a 'touch of pink' in honour of the little girl's favourite colour. Mr Ruane remembered his first-born as a real 'girly-girl' with a 'strong character' and a curious, social nature. The grieving dad has since relocated to Victoria with his two other children because of the 'memories' attached to the Queensland home. They now live closer to Mr Ruane's siblings and their children. Queensland Corrective Services said in June it would review how Flanigan died despite being assessed as high-risk and requiring close monitoring. It's understood she had been placed in a specialised unit for high-risk prisoners known as the Crisis Support Unit at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre. Asked about Ms Flanigan's death, a spokesperson for Queensland Police told Daily Mail Australia a report would be prepared for the coroner. 'Due to this no further comment can be made at this time,' they said.
ABC News
07-06-2025
- ABC News
Community searches for answers about Sophia Rose's death allegedly at the hands of her mother
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.
News.com.au
03-06-2025
- Health
- News.com.au
‘Today I rise': Bundaberg mum's chilling social media posts before alleged murder of 3yo daughter Sophia Rose revealed
Unearthed Instagram posts from the mother who was charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter before being found unresponsive in her jail cell have revealed a dark decline. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter Sophia Rose, who was allegedly stabbed 'multiple' times in the front yard of their home in Moore Park Beach near Bundaberg on May 26. Days after entering custody, Flanigan was found unresponsive in her high security cell at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre and rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital in a critical condition. She died on Sunday night. Though few photos of her life before children were publicly shared, Flanigan's online posts before having her first child in 2021 were filled with joy and carefree fun. She spent time across Queensland, from the beaches at Currumbin to a hike through Mount Glorious and Mount Ngungun with her friends. She fell pregnant with her first child, Sophia, at the tail end of 2020 and shared the news with her Instagram followers in February 2021. '16 weeks pregnant and totally loving becoming your mama my sweet girl,' she captioned an Instagram selfie cradling her bump. Comments of support flooded her social media following her announcement, prompting Flanigan to joke about her morning sickness and dreaded weight gain. 'I am enjoying pregnancy a lot more now that I am in the second trimester and not feeling sick all the time haha!' she wrote. 'Just not looking forward to the weight gain but I guess it's all part of it lol.' Two months later, Flanigan shared an image of her baby bump and discussed the 'rapid transformation' she experienced 'mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally'. She said 'becoming a mum is the most amazing journey'. Two weeks before Sophia was born, Flanigan shared a final pregnancy selfie, again cradling her growing bump. 'Can't wait to hold you in my arms,' she wrote in anticipation. A little under three weeks later, the first picture of Sophia was published on social media. She was wrapped in a floral swaddle and wore a matching bow headband. The words '7 days old' were written on wooden blocks besides the sleeping baby. Then, for nearly three years, her Instagram account went dark, with no posts published. However, she was seen in other posts attending the Moore Park Beach Festival with a friend and fellow mother in August 2023. Her young son was strapped to her chest and she held Sophia's hand as she beamed towards the camera. January 2024 marked the return to Instagram for the mother of three, sharing a selection of date-night images with her ex-partner. 'Believe In Truth, Beauty, Freedom, and above all things, Love,' she captioned the post. Flanigan revealed that she had her third child in September last year in a photo shoot with her 'divine babies', including her son, newborn daughter and eldest child Sophia captured snuggling next to her little sister and dancing around the room in a soft pink tulle and lace dress. In May, eight months after her previous post, Flanigan posted a selfie alongside religious images. 'Today I rise,' the post read. 'Clothed in fire. Covered in grace. Armoured by God.' The next day, she continued to reference religion in a series of pictures and videos of waves washing onto the sand of Moore Park Beach, this time using hashtags including #JesusOverEverything, #HolyResilience, #DaughterOfTheKing and #ChristianInfluencer. 'Each of us shaped by the waves of life we've passed through, the currents we've endured, the rocks we've been broken against, the storms we didn't think we'd survive, yet … here we are. Seen. Held. Admired,' she wrote. May 4 marked her third religious-infused post on Instagram, expressing that she 'already do have all I need'. 'I have given my life to serve. I have a beautiful little family who remind me of love daily. A community that uplifts me. A church that grounds me,' she wrote. 'Yes, there are challenges. Yes, there are areas that still need refining. But I wake up every day with breath in my lungs and fire in my spirit.' Ten days later, a video was uploaded onto Flanigan's social media. Sophia had been filmed playing in a beach hut that would become her memorial less than two weeks later. 'Time won't be on your side forever so try to appreciate every moment of your life and try and create as many incredible memories as you can,' an eerie caption read. Flanigan's final post was shared the day before Sophia's death. 'This is Kingdom Rising,' the caption read. 'We move. We build. We burn with holy fire. No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It's time to RISE.' While there are only 17 posts on her Instagram grid, she actively shared motivational posts and selfies on her Instagram stories, including pictures of herself in her office, attending Alive Church in Bundaberg, and motivational images encouraging people to live life to the fullest. One of the posts she shared to her followers said there was 'no warning, no guarantee of a second chance, no promise that tomorrow will wait'. 'Every breath you take is one closer to your last,' the chilling re-shared post read, shared the same day as Sophia's death. On Monday, May 26 about 4.45pm, Flanigan stabbed her daughter several times in the front yard of their Bundaberg property. Her two other children were inside the house at the time of the alleged murder and a bladed knife was seized from the scene. Neighbours told The Courier-Mail that they watched in horror as Flanigan allegedly murdered her daughter and screamed Sophia's name as her three-year-old lay in the front yard. Queensland Police Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip described it as a 'horrific scene' and a 'terrible tragedy for everybody'. He said Sophia suffered 'multiple wounds' to her body and was 'not something we ever want to attend and want our people to deal with'. Flanigan was charged with murder and transported to Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, where she was found unresponsive on the floor of her high-risk cell on Friday. She was transported to Princess Alexandra Hospital, where she died on Sunday evening.
ABC News
03-06-2025
- General
- ABC News
Queensland coroner to investigate death in custody of woman charged with daughter's murder
Queensland's coroners office will probe the "bizarre" death of Lauren Flanigan, who was under guard in one of the state's most secure prisons. Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, located at Wacol, accommodates female prisoners accused of the most serious crimes. Ms Flanigan arrived at the centre on Thursday charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter Sophia Rose, who was found with stab wounds at a home in Moore Park Beach on May 26. On Friday night, the 32-year-old was found unresponsive in her cell. She was taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital and placed in the intensive care unit, where she died on Sunday night. The ABC understands Ms Flanigan suffered a medical episode while in her cell. "It's just bizarre that someone can be in a police watch house, and then a prison cell, and then be found unresponsive," said Debbie Kilroy, a prisoner advocate and CEO of Sisters Inside. Minister for Corrective Services Laura Gerber has been contacted for comment. The Coroners Court of Queensland (CCQ) independently investigates reportable deaths, including every death in custody. An inquest would likely consider the circumstances leading up to Ms Flanigan's death, the supervision she was under at Brisbane Women's Correctional Centre, and how she died. The coroner could also determine and make findings to prevent similar deaths from occurring. Queensland Police Service has confirmed it will prepare a report for the coroner regarding the deaths of Ms Flanigan and her daughter Sophia Rose. At the time of her death, Ms Flanigan was awaiting her next court date for the alleged murder of her daughter at the family's home, north of Bundaberg. Last week, police said they were in the early stages of their investigation. Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the community wants answers. "I just think our whole community has gone through an incredible emotional rollercoaster," he said.
News.com.au
30-05-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Queensland mum Ingrid Flanigan, accused of killing 3yo daughter, found unresponsive in jail cell
A Queensland mother accused of killing her three-year old daughter has been found unresponsive in her jail cell. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was charged with the murder of the child after police made the grim discovery at a Regency Rd home in Moore Park Beach – in the Bundaberg region of Queensland – at 4.45pm on Monday. Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) confirmed officers responded to a medical emergency involving a prisoner at Brisbane Womens Correctional Centre on Friday night. A QCS spokesman said officers responded before paramedics arrived on site and transported the woman to hospital. 'Support is being offered to the responding officers and their colleagues,' a spokesman said. Queensland Police detectives from the Corrective Services Investigation Unit are investigating. 'There is no further information available at this time,' a police spokesman said. Ms Flanigan was remanded in custody and due to face court in July over the young girl's death. Police seized a bladed knife from the scene. Superintendent Brad Inskip said multiple triple-0 calls had been made in regards to the alleged incident. Police and paramedics located the child's body and the mother in the front yard of the address. 'There were multiple wounds to the child's body,' Superintendent Inskip said at the time. 'It was a horrific scene, a terrible incident for everybody – including the witnesses, including the emergency services, police and ambulance officers who attended and the investigators doing the ongoing investigation.'
