An Australian mom had her mouth forensically examined by investigators amid a cannibalism probe into the death of her son — who was found dead with a mutilated arm in a scene so disturbing, officers were offered support services.
The 32-year-old woman was arrested and charged with domestic violence murder after officials in Wyong discovered the body of a 4-year-old child with significant arm injuries.
Authorities found the boy after the mother, who has not been identified, showed up at a police station, leading cops to the house where the pair lived alone, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported.
The child may have been dead for days, Nine News reported.
Investigators obtained an urgent court order after the grisly discovery to forensically examine the mouth of the woman before she was cuffed and charged, ABC said.
The order allowed cops to take samples from her mouth contents, forensic material, and a buccal swab, according to court documents reviewed by the outlet.
Samples were also taken from the woman’s nails, according to the report.
Cannibalism will be investigated in the death of the boy, police sources confirmed to the outlet. Officers began to consider the possibility of cannibalism in the boy’s death after “discussions” with the mom, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.
The mom and son had moved into the rental home earlier this year after an alleged domestic-violence incident between the woman and an ex-partner, a neighbor said.
The mother was known to police, but authorities have urged the public to come forward with any additional information about her and the child.
“It was an extremely confronting scene. It’s been confirmed that the child had injuries. I am not going to speculate further on what those injuries are,” Superintendent Chad Gillies from the Tuggerah Lakes District said at a press conference on Sunday, according to the outlet.
Police and emergency services who were at the disturbing scene are receiving support, Gillies said.
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice will also launch an independent review of the boy’s death, Families and Communities Minister Kate Washington announced on Monday.
The department had “received and responded to a number of reports” about the family before the child’s murder, with the last report from 18 months ago, Washington said, according to the outlet.
“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,” she said.
The crime has stunned Wyong, a quiet coastal town where neighbors said they had seen no signs of any trouble.
Dozens gathered for a vigil there and left flowers for the slain boy on Monday afternoon.
Haylee Elizabeth Dickinson organized the memorial after growing up on the street next to where the boy and mother lived, the outlet reported.
“As a mother and as speaking for every other member in the community, I know for a fact that this has absolutely shattered a lot of people,” she said.
“Rest in peace, beautiful boy. You’ve left a mark on every single member of this community.”
The alleged killer mother was ordered held behind bars without bail.
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