Police probing 'cannibalism' after boy, 4, found dead at home – mum charged with murder

Detectives are reportedly investigating if cannibalism played a part in the death of a four-year-old boy whose mum has been charged with murder in Australia. Officers discovered the youngster’s lifeless body at a home in Wyong on the Central Coast of New South Wales at about 4.40pm local time on Saturday (July 4).

New South Wales Police confirmed on Sunday that a 32-year-old woman was arrested at Wyong Police Station and later charged with domestic violence murder. She was refused bail, according to the force. Local media reports the boy was found with arm injuries.

The police are investigating whether cannibalism was a factor in the boy’s death, according to The Sydney Morning Herald, citing police sources not authorised to speak publicly.

Supt Chad Gillies of Tuggerah Lakes Police described the scene as “confronting” for police and paramedics who were at the scene.

Mr Gillies said: “We owe that to that little boy to make sure that we get the exact circumstances and present them to the court in due course.”

Police have not named the woman or the boy for legal reasons surrounding the identity of child victims of crime in Australia.

Australian media outlet, 7News, reports that the mother alerted police to an incident, prompting officers to check her home.

Mr Chislett described the youngster as the “happiest kid” he knew of that age.

A neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, told the Herald he used to see the boy walking a dog, saying he was “all happy” and “very energetic”.