Australian woman, 32, charged with murder of son, 4, police confirm cannibalism investigation

An Australian woman has been charged with domestic violence murder following the "horrific" death of her four-year-old son in New South Wales (NSW).

The 32-year-old mother turned herself in to NSW police on Jul. 4 and allegedly told them she had eaten part of her son, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

She was subsequently denied bail.

Following her confession, police discovered the body of the four-year-old child inside a residential unit, noting that the body had sustained significant arm injuries.

Investigation

Police sources confirmed to the ABC that claims of cannibalism will form part of the investigation into the boy's death.

Speaking at a press conference, police superintendent Chad Gillies described the incident as "an extremely confronting scene", even for the most experienced police and emergency personnel who attended.

Gillies said police formed “genuine concerns” through conversations they had with her, triggering a welfare check at the unit which led to the boy's discovery.

Investigators are currently looking into whether the boy had been dead before police were alerted,  9News reported.

An autopsy will be conducted by the coroner in the coming days to determine the official cause of death.

Investigators were also granted approval to perform a forensic procedure on the suspect, allowing them to collect a buccal swab, blood samples, and fingernail clippings, as well as examine her mouth contents for forensic material.

Community reaction

Neighbours stated they had never witnessed any untoward behaviour between the mother and son, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The pair had reportedly moved into the rental property earlier this year.

A neighbour alleged that the relocation followed a domestic violence dispute between the woman and an ex-partner.

"Whenever a child is a victim of violent crime, and whenever a child is murdered, it strikes at the core of community," Gillies said.

He emphasised the importance of working through the case methodically to understand exactly what happened for the sake of the victim.

Independent review

Following the incident, Minister Kate Washington announced that the NSW Department of Communities and Justice would conduct an independent review into the boy's death, ABC reported.

Washington confirmed that the department had "previous contact with the family" and is currently reviewing all related records.

She stated that the department had received and responded to multiple reports concerning the family, with the most recent report made 18 months ago.

"There are many people across New South Wales today who are asking how this has happened, and whether or not more could have been done to protect this child."

Washington added that she expects a thorough and timely report by the end of the year, ensuring it does not prejudice the ongoing criminal proceedings.

The case is scheduled to return to court in September.