A 32-year-old mother has been charged with murder after the body of her four-year-old son was discovered in their home in Wyong, New South Wales, Australia. The woman allegedly told police she had 'carried out acts of cannibalism' on her son when she turned herself in at 4:40pm yesterday.
Police investigation and charges
Officers conducting a welfare check at the woman's home on Bryron Street found the boy's body with significant arm injuries. The child may have been dead for days, according to Nine News. The mother drove to the police station, prompting the search of her residence. Her Holden Captiva and other evidence were seized. She was charged with a domestic violence-related murder.
Superintendent Chad Gillies stated at a press conference that the mother and son had a 'domestic relationship' and lived together at the unit. She was known to the police. 'It was an extremely confronting scene,' Gillies said. The coroner will conduct a post-mortem next week to determine the cause of death.
Allegations of cannibalism
Insiders told The Sydney Morning Herald and the Daily Telegraph that fears of cannibalism arose from 'discussions' police had with the mother. However, police have not confirmed whether any evidence recovered at the scene indicated cannibalism. The woman cannot be identified due to Australian laws protecting child crime victims.
Neighbor and community reactions
Neighbor Harley Chislett described the boy as a 'little angel' who often played with his toy car and Staffordshire Bull Terrier puppy. 'I can't believe he's dead. He was a good kid, a bit of a rug rat at times, like all kids that age,' Chislett told the Daily Telegraph. 'I loved that kid. Sometimes he would be up running around until 9pm, 10pm. It's like he was running marathons at times. He had lots of energy. He was adorable.'
Mechanic Glenn Winterbottom, 51, who repaired the mother's vehicle, said he had never seen any sign of trouble between the mother and son. The pair had moved into the rental earlier this year following an alleged domestic violence incident involving her and her ex-partner. 'The kid was really cute,' Winterbottom added. 'He said, "Can you please fix mummy's car, because she broke it?"'
Legal proceedings
The woman was denied bail after failing to appear in court today. She is scheduled to return to court on September 1.
