Australian Boy Found Dead After Being Duct-Taped Into Sleeping Bag

Australian police are investigating the death of a 5-year-old boy who was found unresponsive and restrained in a sleeping bag with duct tape, which also served as a blindfold. The incident occurred in Grafton, a town in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales, approximately 400 miles north of Sydney.

Authorities were called to a residence on Monday morning around 6:40 a.m. after reports of an unresponsive child. Emergency services attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation until paramedics arrived, but the boy could not be saved, according to a statement from the New South Wales Police.

Investigators learned that the boy and his siblings were allegedly duct-taped into sleeping bags as a means to help them sleep. The child's father and stepmother were present at the home when the incident occurred and reportedly told detectives that the duct tape was used to assist the children's sleep.

Specialist police units have conducted forensic examinations at the scene. A post-mortem examination will be performed to determine the official cause of death. No arrests have been made at this time.

Reports indicate that the family had been known to the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) for at least a year. Authorities believe the child may have had an intellectual impairment, and police had previously responded to the home for a welfare check last year.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Justice confirmed awareness of the child's death and extended condolences. Local politician Richie Williamson expressed distress over the incident and questioned the actions of authorities, stating that if the DCJ was aware of the family's situation, accountability for the tragic outcome is necessary.

Williamson called for transparency, stating, "The government, the minister must front up and explain to my community what has happened here, why it has happened and if she doesn’t, the minister should resign."