Detectives from the Toowoomba Child Protection and Investigation Unit, the Child Trauma Unit and the Homicide Investigation Unit have arrested 12 people in connection with the alleged murder of an eight-year-old girl in Rangeville in January.
A joint investigation by several units, Operation Uniform Music, was established after the body of the eight-year-old boy was located at a Rangeville home on Saturday, January 8th.
A 47-year-old woman and a 50-year-old man, known to the boy, were charged Jan. 11 with murder, torture and failure to meet the necessities of life.
After extensive investigations, it will be alleged that the minor was suffering from an underlying illness and was denied medical treatment for a period of approximately six days.
The girl is believed to have died on 7 January, with emergency services contacted at approximately 5.30pm on 8 January.
In addition, the 12 detainees will be said to be members of a religious group who were present during this period, knew the girl’s state of health and did not seek medical assistance.
Police searched a residence on Homestead Avenue in Harristown this morning, where 12 residents have been arrested.
People of all ages and genders are expected to be charged with murder later today:
A woman of 65 years, A man of 60 years, A woman of 35 years, A woman of 32 years, A man of 32 years, A woman of 29 years, A 26 -Women of years, A man of 24 years, A 24 year old woman, A 21 year old man, A 20 year old woman, A 19 year old man.
Acting Superintendent Detective Regional Crime Coordinator Garry Watts said the investigation was an unprecedented example of an alleged murder of a child in Queensland.
“It will be alleged that a total of 14 people decided to deny this young woman her right to medical care,” Detective Superintendent Watts said.
“The arrests are the result of a six-month investigation, in which all the officers involved were dedicated to ensuring that those allegedly responsible for his death were brought before the court.”
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