A 10-year-old girl has been found dead at a property in a Gold Coast suburb in what police have described as a “traumatic” scene.
Authorities have arrested a 46-year-old woman, who is believed to be known to the girl, in relation to her murder.
At 6pm on Tuesday evening, police were called to a property at Emerald Lakes in the Gold Coast suburb of Carrara. It was here that first responders discovered the girl’s body. Her throat had been slashed, police say.
Paramedics attempted to revive the girl, but she was declared dead at the scene.
Police swiftly declared the property a crime scene and blocked off the street. Later that night, officers found a 46-year-old woman from Carrara in a street nearby the crime scene.
Police arrested the woman and charged her with the murder of the 10-year-old girl. The woman is due to face the Southport Magistrates Court this morning.
Inspector Lou Serafim spoke to reporters at the crime scene and said a male relative, who was at the property where they found the deceased 10-year-old girl, had called emergency services for help. She said the girl lived at the property where her body was discovered.
Inspector Serafim said the male relative who called triple-0 is being “very cooperative” and “assisting police with the investigation”.
“We’ve had nothing but co-operation from the people here and also the residents of the unit complex,” she said.
As the scene was confronting for first responders, Inspector Serafim said police and paramedics will receive counselling.
“My staff who attended as first responders and also the emergency services from the Queensland Ambulance Service have entered a scene that is quite traumatic, and these officers and the paramedics are receiving internal counselling in relation to the incident that they were exposed to,” Inspector Serafim said.
‘We are devastated’
The 10-year-old girl was a student at a nearby private school, Emmanuel College. On Wednesday morning, principal Dan Brown issued a letter to the school community, informing them of the tragedy.
“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a tragic incident that occurred in a home within Emerald Lakes last night, resulting in the passing of one of our beloved students,” the letter reads.
“We are devastated by this incident and know it will profoundly impact our school community. Our prayers go out to the family and friends of the child, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.”
The principal of the school said he and his staff will do “everything possible” to support the wellbeing of the school community in the coming days.
“Please be assured we are here for all in our community – students, staff and parents – and these support services are available to anyone in need,” Brown said.
“While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”
According to journalist Sherele Moody’s Femicide Watch, ten children in Australia have been killed in 2024.
“There’s just no words,” Moody said.
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.
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