A mother has been charged with murder after allegedly telling police she consumed parts of her four-year-old son's body. The 32-year-old woman, whose identity is being withheld for legal reasons, reportedly went to Wyong Police Station on the NSW Central Coast on Saturday afternoon and made the disturbing confession.
Officers responding to the report found the boy's body at a community housing unit on Byron Street. The child sustained significant injuries to his arm and is believed to have been deceased for several days before authorities were alerted.
The mother and son had reportedly moved into the unit approximately five months prior to escape domestic violence. Police have charged the woman with murder, and she remains in custody. Forensic investigators are collecting biological samples from her, including saliva, blood, and nail scrapings.
Details of the woman's past have emerged, including her upbringing in government housing in Armidale and a move to Gunnedah as a teenager. Court records indicate disputes with family members, including apprehended violence orders issued against her by her own mother and another relative. She also faced civil disputes with a housing group and Transport for NSW following a disqualified driver's license.
The crime scene at the Wyong unit block remained active on Monday, with police maintaining a presence. Neighbours reported leaving soft toys and cards for the deceased child outside the property. Some residents expressed shock, while others noted the boy had appeared happy and energetic.
Superintendent Chad Gillies described the scene as "extremely confronting" and confirmed the child had injuries, but declined to speculate further. He stated that the mother and child lived together in the unit.
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice has confirmed previous contact with the mother and child and is reviewing its records. The woman's bail was formally refused during an online court hearing on Sunday, and her case is scheduled to return to court on September 1.