Latest news with #MooreParkBeach

News.com.au
3 days ago
- 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.'

News.com.au
4 days ago
- General
- News.com.au
Fundraiser launched for Sophia Rose's family after 3yo allegedly killed by mum
A fundraiser has been launched for the devastated family of Sophia Rose, with the little girl remembered for her 'big eyes' and 'infectious laugh' in the aftermath of Monday's nightmare. The GoFundMe, launched by family friend Connor Thompson, has raised nearly $10,000 from a $15,000 target, with a yellow rose posted to the appeal as a tribute to the toddler's life. 'Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room,' the appeal reads. 'Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure of gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. 'Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.' The appeal comes just days after Sophia Rose was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32. Police have charged Ms Flanigan with murder, alleging she stabbed Sophia Rose multiple times at their Moore Park Beach home north of Bundaberg, about 365km north of Brisbane, on Monday afternoon. Ms Flanigan, a member of the Alive Church in Bundaberg, remains in custody. 'In the wake of an unimaginable tragedy, a grieving father and little boy and girl is left to cope with the devastating loss of their beloved daughter and sister,' the appeal reads. 'Her life was taken far too soon, leaving behind a family and community shattered by sorrow. In this incredibly difficult time, we are reaching out to ask for your support. 'Your donations will help this father navigate the overwhelming financial burden of funeral expenses, legal fees, a place to call home and the emotional toll of this tragedy. 'No amount is too small – every contribution provides a small light during this dark time, allowing him to focus on healing and honouring the memory of his precious daughter.' Burnett MP Stephen Bennett, in a post to social media on Thursday, said the event had rocked the small Bundaberg community. 'My thoughts and prayers are with the friends and families involved in the several tragic incidents across the region over the last days and weeks,' he said. 'These shocking events rock our small communities, but your support for each other is what will get us through and eventually help us heal. 'If you or anyone you know needs help, please reach out to Lifeline, Kids Helpline Official, 13 Yarn, Beyond Blue.'

ABC News
5 days ago
- General
- ABC News
Moore Park Beach community mourns tragic alleged murder of 'beautiful little girl' Sophia
Tributes are flowing for a Queensland toddler who was allegedly stabbed to death by her mother. Three-year-old Sophia Rose was described as a "beautiful little girl … always dressed in these beautiful dresses and bows in her hair" by her pastor, Joey Ryan. Sophia's mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, has been charged with murder after the girl was found unresponsive at a home in Moore Park Beach, north of Bundaberg, just before 5pm on Monday. The tragedy has shocked the Bundaberg community with many grappling to come to terms with Sophia's death. A toy library near the girl's home has become a memorial where grieving locals are paying their respects to Sophia Rose. Hope Peters, herself a mother of a young child, laid a bouquet of flowers together with a pink teddy bear at the memorial as she struggled to process the overwhelming emotions. "I've got a three-year-old girl at home," she said. Ms Peters said families throughout Moore Park were "heartbroken". "We're all a community here and everyone is just feeling very emotional," she said. "We hope she gets the peace that she deserves." Lauren Flanigan is a member of Alive Church in Bundaberg and would regularly attend services with Sophia. Senior Pastor Joey Ryan said the church was "devastated at the loss of beautiful Sophia". "Sophia was such a beautiful little girl," she said. "[She] would attend our church with such happiness in her face as she arrived to see everybody. "She brought so much joy to this community. We love her and we'll dearly miss her." The church held a special service on Tuesday evening to support those grieving in the tight-knit community. "We had no plans or agenda … other than opening the doors, allowing people just to sit and grieve and process and pray and just come together," Ms Ryan said. Hairdresser Brinda Olive has lived at Moore Park since 2016, drawn by its unspoilt beaches and welcoming community. "I was very, very shocked. We haven't had anything like that before," Ms Olive said. "I just can't believe that happened. It's very sad." Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said his office had been flooded with calls from residents grieving and angered by the little girl's death. Mr Bennett encouraged residents of the Bundaberg region to reach out to support services. "Lifeline and other agencies are there for you … but our office can also be a point of contact to connect you with the important services that are out there." Ms Flanigan did not appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court when her case was first mentioned on Tuesday. She did not apply for bail and remains in custody while a brief of evidence is prepared. Ms Flanigan's matter will return to court in July.

News.com.au
6 days ago
- News.com.au
Mother charged with three-year-old Sophia's murder identified as Lauren Ingrid Flanigan
A woman who allegedly stabbed her three-year-old daughter to death in the yard of their home in regional Queensland has been named, as a series of bizarre social media posts about religion emerge. Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, has been charged with the murder of her child Sophia, which has left the community of Bundaberg reeling. Police were called to a Moore Park Beach home on Monday night after multiple triple-0 calls reporting a girl had been stabbed multiple times. 'Police located a three-year-old child in the front yard of that address,' Superintendent Inskip said. 'Despite multiple attempts from [police] and [ambulance officers] to apply first aid to that child, that child unfortunately died due to the injuries that she had received.' Flanigan was in the front yard of the home when authorities arrived. She was taken into custody and charged earlier today. A knife found at the scene, which police allege is the murder weapon, was seized. 'There were two other children at the address at the time, both younger – aged one and two,' Superintendent Inskip said. 'Neither of them were injured in the incident yesterday, and they're currently being cared for by family members.' While the investigation is in its early stages, he said there was no indication the family had a history with police. He described the case as 'horrific' for officers who responded as well as those who witnessed the alleged murder. 'It's a terrible, terrible thing for everybody, including the witnesses and neighbours, including the emergency services who attended … because it's not something that we ever want to attend.' Following Flanigan being identified, a series of eerie social media posts have emerged. 'You are a WARRIOR OF LIGHT,'' her final post reads. 'Train like it's war — because it is. God is calling His army out of hiding. This is kingdom rising. We move. We build. We burn with holy fire. 'No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It's time to RISE.' She wrote chilling posts about her battle against 'the system', trauma and her love for her 'divine babies'. In another, she spoke of her commitment to creating more time to spend with her family and 'watch my babies grow'. She wrote: 'We were made to create memories together, lasting legacy, joy, freedom and smiles. '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.' '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.' She also hinted at enduring trauma, writing that people are 'shaped by the rocks we've been broken against'. 'This is how our Creator sees us. Not defined by the damage, but deeply loved for the story we carry.' Flanigan's case was briefly heard today at Bundaberg Magistrates Court. Her lawyer did not apply for bail and she was remanded in custody. She will next appear in court on July 21.

ABC News
7 days ago
- ABC News
Woman charged with murder as Moore Park Beach residents reel over three-year-old's death
The small Queensland seaside community of Moore Park Beach is in shock at the death of a three-year-old girl. A homicide investigation was launched yesterday after a child was found unresponsive at a home on Regency Road just before 5pm. A 32-year-old woman has been charged with murder and is expected to appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court today. Member for Burnett Stephen Bennett said the community "would be devastated" but said residents always rallied to support each other during difficult times. He said support services and counselling were available. "People are going to need that as we start to grapple with what all this means," Mr Bennett said. Chief Inspector Grant Marcus said multiple calls were made to Bundaberg police about the incident on Monday evening. "Police rushed out and unfortunately found this child deceased," he said. Chief Inspector Marcus said police were interviewing people in the neighbourhood. "Our detectives and our senior crime officers are going through the process of investigating what's going on," he said.