Key Takeaways
- A coroner is investigating the deaths of premature twin baby boys in regional Queensland.
- The twins were found unresponsive in their separate cots, with signs of rigor mortis, and were described as "cold, blue and lifeless".
- The boys were born several weeks early and required specialist care, including ventilation in hospital for a number of months.
- A forensic examination of a mobile phone shared by both parents will form part of the evidence at the inquest.
- The coroner will examine several issues, including the events at the twins’ home in the 24 hours prior to their deaths.
Introduction to the Investigation
A coroner has been tasked with probing the circumstances surrounding the discovery of "cold, blue and lifeless" premature twin baby boys in regional Queensland shortly after they were discharged from hospital. During a preliminary conference held in Brisbane, the Coroners Court heard details about the boys’ deaths and their short lives leading up to it. The court heard the twins, whose identities have been suppressed, were found unresponsive in their separate cots about 11am. Paramedics reported they were "cold, blue and lifeless" and had signs of rigor mortis when they arrived.
The Twins’ Medical History
The twins were born several weeks early and required specialist care, including ventilation in hospital for a number of months. After they were discharged, they still required oxygen tanks, and a nurse attended their family home for daily checks for the first week. Following this, a nurse did weekly check-ins, including up until the days before they both died, and they were reported to be doing well. The twins’ medical history and the care they received after being discharged from the hospital will be crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
The Events Leading Up to the Deaths
On the day before they died, their parents told police they had smoked cannabis about 5pm. They told police the twins were fed, and their oxygen tanks were changed at 9pm. They reported both babies woke a few times between 10pm and midnight but were able to be settled with dummies. The baby boys slept in separate cots at the time of their death, the court was told. Both parents reported falling asleep between midnight and 2am, with the father falling asleep last, and waking up first, before finding his children unresponsive.
The Forensic Examination
Counsel assisting the coroner Laura Reece KC told the court a forensic examination of a mobile phone shared by both parents would form part of the evidence at the inquest. The examination of the telephone also identified the possible use of a flashlight function at about 2:23am. Additionally, CCTV from their neighbour’s house, which appeared to show the twins’ father leaving his house at approximately 3am, will also form part of the evidence. The forensic examination and the CCTV footage will be crucial in understanding the events leading up to the deaths of the twins.
The Autopsy and Expert Testimony
The court heard a forensic pathologist could not determine the cause of the deaths but did find they had a "significant condition", being prematurity associated lung disease. The autopsy also found the twins had "multiple older rib fractures" and other unexplained injuries, which two experts will be asked to testify about at the inquest. The expert testimony and the autopsy results will be crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the twins.
The Coroner’s Investigation
Coroner Melinda Zerner is set to examine several issues in relation to the deaths, including the events at their home in the 24 hours prior. She will also be asked to consider whether a determination can be made about how they died, and if the circumstances of their birth are relevant to the circumstances of their death. Eleven witnesses are expected to be called at a five-day hearing in far north Queensland in February next year. The coroner’s investigation will be thorough and will examine all the available evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the twins.
Conclusion
The deaths of the premature twin baby boys in regional Queensland are a tragic and devastating event. The coroner’s investigation will be crucial in understanding the circumstances surrounding their deaths. The forensic examination, the autopsy results, and the expert testimony will all be important in determining the cause of the deaths and the events leading up to them. The coroner’s findings will be eagerly awaited, and it is hoped that they will provide some answers for the families and the community.
