The Lismore community is in mourning after the devastating discovery of the bodies of a two-year-old boy and his father, following a suspected murder-suicide.
The 38-year-old man was with the boy on a weekend custody visit and was expected to return the boy to his mother at 4:30pm on Sunday afternoon. The mother contacted police at about 5:30pm on Sunday evening, after the boy’s father did not return at the arranged time.
At 9:45pm on Sunday night, police forced entry into a unit in Lismore, where they made the discovery of the bodies.
Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell told reporters yesterday that authorities knew the 38-year-old man for domestic violence matters.
“A more tragic event you wouldn’t come across,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said, “so that is very sad and that’s a matter now that is being investigated and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
“He (the 38-year-old man) was known to police for previous DV matters, but not significant issues.”
Deputy Commissioner Thurtell also spoke to Sarah Ferguson on ABC’s 7:30 last night, confirming there was an apprehended domestic violence order (ADVO) against the 38-year-old man to protect the mother and the two-year-old boy since July 2023. He could not say, however, why the ADVO was put in place.
“The father did not have a criminal record in NSW, however I understand he is from interstate and we will be making inquiries with other police organisations across the country,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
Authorities under Strike Force McGuren are continuing their investigations into the deaths, while a report is being prepared for the coroner.
The tragedy comes after NSW Police conducted a state-wide “domestic violence blitz”, charging more than 550 people with over a thousand domestic violence offences. Police say 226 of those charged were wanted by police for serious domestic violence offences.
The authorities also conducted 3,735 domestic violence order (DVO) checks, as well as 1,300 bail-compliance checks in the crackdown.
Speaking to ABC News Breakfast yesterday, NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley said it was the sixth time police have conducted this operation in the last 18 months.
“(The operations) are scheduled about every quarter, so police have been doing this for quite some time,” Minister Catley said.
“NSW police (utilise) the DV registry, where they accumulate information about (alleged) high-risk offenders and it’s that intelligence that they use to then go out and undertake these operations.”
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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