More than three dozen residents held a small vigil for a four-year-old boy who was allegedly killed and cannibalised by his mother in New South Wales, Australia. The 32-year-old mother, who cannot be identified due to Australian child crime victim laws, has been charged with murder after turning herself in to police and allegedly admitting to acts of cannibalism.
Details of the Incident
Police discovered the boy's body with significant arm injuries during a welfare check at her home on Bryron Street, Wyong. The youngster may have been dead for days, according to Nine News. The mother drove to the police station, triggering the search. Her car was seized along with other evidence.
Supt Chad Gillies stated at a press conference that the mother and son had a 'domestic relationship' and lived together. She was known to the police, he added. The coroner will conduct a post-mortem next week to determine the cause of death.
Community Reaction
A vigil was held at Wyong Memorial Pool, where one mother recalled her own son playing with the victim. 'He seemed really normal and happy and full of energy, but he was a shy little kid,' she said. 'I honestly wish we'd got to know him because my son absolutely loved playing with him.' She described the mother as 'quiet' and nice, adding, 'It all goes back to the fact that you don't know what happens behind closed doors.'
Many children at the vigil had tears in their eyes as they laid down stuffed toys and candles for the victim. Neighbour Harley Chislett called the boy 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.'
Police Investigation
Insiders told The Sydney Morning Herald and the Daily Telegraph that fears of cannibalism came from 'discussions' police had with the mother. However, police have not confirmed whether any evidence of cannibalism was recovered at the scene. The investigation is ongoing.
