5-Year-Old Boy Found Dead and Duct Taped in Sleeping Bag

A 5-year-old boy was found dead inside his family’s home in Australia, and police are now investigating disturbing allegations that he and at least one of his siblings were being restrained in sleeping bags with duct tape at night.

Emergency crews were called to the home in Grafton, in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, around 6:40 a.m. on October 12 after reports of an unresponsive child.

Officers from the Coffs/Clarence Police District arrived first and began CPR. Paramedics reached the scene a short time later, but the boy could not be revived.

Authorities have not publicly released the child’s name.

As investigators began piecing together what happened, police launched a major inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death. A crime scene was established at the home, and specialist officers carried out a forensic examination of the property.

Australian outlet ABC News reported that investigators are examining allegations that the child, who was understood to have developmental difficulties, and at least one other child in the home had been duct-taped into sleeping bags to sleep at night.

Police have not publicly detailed exactly how the boy died, and a post-mortem examination is expected to help determine the cause and manner of death.

The case has drawn even more scrutiny because the family had reportedly already come to the attention of child welfare authorities before the boy’s death.

ABC reported that the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice had prior contact with the family. In a statement, the agency said it was aware of the child’s death and was assisting police with their investigation.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who knew and loved this child,” a department spokesperson said.

Police have formed Strike Force Milona to lead the investigation, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

The boy’s parents have been questioned by police, according to Australian reports, but as of the latest public updates, no arrests had been announced.

Investigators are now working to determine exactly what was happening inside the home in the days and weeks before the child died, and whether criminal charges will follow.

The case has shaken the local community in Grafton, a city in northern New South Wales, where residents are now waiting for answers in a tragedy that has left many horrified.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

If you suspect child abuse, you can call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.