Dr Sophie Roome is grieving the loss of her two-year old son Rowan, following a horrific act committed by the man the toddler should have been able to trust the most, his father.
During a scheduled visit on Sunday, police believe James Harrison murdered his son inside his unit in East Lismore in the NSW Northern Rivers, before taking his own life.
Late Wednesday, Dr Roome issued the kind of statement no mother should ever have to share. “Rowan’s life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence, perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most. There are no excuses for this hurt, and no end to the pain it has caused,” the statement read.
“We are devastated. We will love and miss Rowan forever. We thank all those who have provided support, and we acknowledge the suffering of James’ family, which is also immense.”
The circumstances in this story highlight numerous failings, including by the police and the courts, that must and will be unravelled in the months to come.
But once again, we’re reminded of the failings in language used to describe those who have murdered their children, ex partners, mothers or other family members.
So often — especially where there has been no history of physical violence — we hear the “good bloke” narrative, as the media tries to learn more about what happened.
We heard all about the Rugby league and coaching talents of Rowan Baxter, who various parts of the media told us loved playing with his children and having them at the gym. Rowan Baxter murdered his former partner Hannah Clarke, and her three children Trey, Laianah and Aaliyah.
We heard how Peter Miles taught at the local high school and was locally known as a “good bloke”, a description repeated in the media. In 2018, police believe he killed his wife, his 35-year-old daughter and four grandchildren, before killing himself.
In this week’s case, a similar narrative has emerged from within NSW Health, where James Harrison worked. Understandably, any workplace would struggle with how to deal with or comprehend the idea that one of their own has being responsible for something so unimaginable. But as the statistics do tell us, just like there are likely victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in any workplace, there are also perpetrators.
Staff at NSW Health were sent an email from an executive praising Harrison, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph today. The message was sent on Wednesday morning, just as many of the details of what had occurred during the planned custody visit had been revealed. Harrison was described as a “wonderful colleague and beloved friend” and even as a “proud dad” in the email. The email also spoke about the memories of Rowan “popping up in meetings with his proud Dad”. Aimed to inform staff about their former colleague, the email stated that, “it is with indescribable sadness that I find myself letting you know that James Harrison and his son Rowan died on Sunday.”
The email did not mention that police were treating the deaths of Harrison and his son as a murder-suicide.
The email was recalled within hours and later leaked to The Daily Telegraph, with staff reporting they had expressed disbelief at the message. Health Minister Ryan Park has since declared the email “completely unacceptable” and that is does not reflect the views of NSW Health or is in any way endorsed by NSW Health.
James Harrison was under an interim apprehended domestic violence order, issued in July 2023, which aims to protect a person before the alleged victim’s complaint is heard by the courts. It was seven months before the matter was finally due to be heard by the Lismore Local Court in February. But when the court ran out of time to hear the matter with it then pushed back to July, Harrison agreed to the apprehended domestic violence order, without admissions.
Dr Sophie Roome alerted police when Harrison did not return with their son at 4:30pm. It’s since been revealed that police went to Harrison’s address at 6pm, knocked and then left. They returned almost four hours later at 9:45pm, and broke down the door.
“Rowan was a beautiful, joyful, and adored little boy. He had so many amazing qualities, and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences,” the statement from the Roome family shared.
“He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family. He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world.”
Premier Chris Minns has promised to immediately act on any recommendations put forward by the coroner.
“It’s an evil act, just an evil act. I’m horrified by it and I’m sure the community is completely in despair about it,” he said during a press conference on Wednesday.
A memorial fund has been established for Rowan, where the photo we have published above was shared. You can see the details here.
If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au for online chat and video call services.
If you are concerned about your behaviour or use of violence, you can contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit http://www.ntv.org.au.
Feeling worried or no good? No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter, call 13 92 76. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.