Five-year-old boy dies in Australian home investigation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 02:20 · Archive

A five-year-old boy was found unresponsive at his family's home in Grafton, New South Wales on Monday morning and could not be revived.

Emergency services were called to the Grafton home at about 6.40am on Monday after a five-year-old boy was found unresponsive. Despite efforts to revive him, he could not be saved.

NSW Police launched a major investigation after officers alleged they discovered the boy and his siblings had been duct-taped into sleeping bags with tape placed over their eyes at night. The boy, who had intellectual disabilities, was allegedly duct-taped around his head, and officers were told it was to help him sleep. Homicide Squad and Child Abuse Squad detectives joined local investigators as part of Strike Force Milona.

The boy's father and stepmother, who were inside the home at the time, were interviewed by investigators. The boy's siblings have since been moved to live with other family members. Police were reportedly called to the home in 2025 and concerns were raised with NSW Department of Communities and Justice officials about what was happening there.

Any potential charges will be considered following a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death. Police have not confirmed any arrests, and the investigation remains ongoing.

How it is being reported

• Boy, 5, dies in 'house of horrors' where he was 'duct-taped into sleeping bag' as police launch probeWARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT The boy, aged 5, was found unresponsive inside his family's home and could not be revived. Officers were previously called to the home in 2025 and concerns were raised over what was occurring at the residence.The Mirror · 16 Oct, 01:57
• Boy, 5, dies in Australian 'house of horrors' where children were allegedly duct-taped into sleeping bags with tape over their eyesThe boy was found unresponsive inside his family's Grafton home on Monday morning and could not be revived.Daily Mail · 15 Oct, 22:16

In this story: Grafton · New South Wales · NSW Police · NSW Department of Communities and Justice · Homicide Squad · Child Abuse Squad

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