An inquest into the death of a three-month-old baby, KP, found that the circumstances surrounding his death remain undetermined. NSW Deputy State Coroner, Kasey Pearce, expressed her regret over the case, stating that it is unclear what caused KP’s demise.
KP was found dead at his mother’s home in Corowa, NSW Riverina region, in January 2022. The inquest explored possible causes including drowning, suffocation, and inadequate nutrition, but insufficient evidence was found to support any of these theories.
The inquest also assessed the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death, including services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee local health district, and Albury Wodonga Health. While some shortcomings in the organizations’ actions were noted, Pearce stated that her findings did not suggest that KP’s death could have been avoided.
Pearce added that the available evidence did not allow her to determine the cause, place, or manner of KP’s death, and that the mother’s account to the police was deemed “implausible and inconsistent.” The inquest did, however, note that the baby was loved by his family and appeared to be thriving before his untimely death.
In her recommendations, Pearce suggested formalizing the administration and governance of the NSW Health Safe Start program, which provides care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/30/death-of-baby-found-dead-in-freezer-in-corowa-is-tragic-but-remains-a-mystery-says-coroner-ntwnfb
