Cassandra Joy Torrens, 40, charged with murder of teenage son, Jakob Michael Casey at Daisy Hill
A Queensland mother has been charged with the murder of her disabled teenage son, who was found semiconscious at an address in Daisy Hill, before dying while in a coma in hospital.
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A Queensland woman has been charged with the murder of her disabled son.
Police allege Cassandra Joy Torrens, 40, and her 18-year-old son, Jakob Michael Casey, were located semiconscious at an address in Daisy Hill, Logan, about 3pm on May 30.
The teenager – who suffered from cerebral palsy – was taken to hospital where he was placed in an induced coma.
Torrens was also taken to hospital and placed in an induced coma, but recovered on June 1.
According to court documents, police allege Jakob died at Logan Hospital on June 4.
Police launched an investigation under Operation X-ray GRIT with assistance from the Homicide Investigation Unit and a crime scene was established at the residence.
Torrens was initially charged with attempted murder on July 11, but the charge has now been upgraded to murder.
Detective Senior Sergeant Daniel Cunningham said the investigation has been meticulous and involved close collaboration across multiple specialist units.
“This is an incredibly tragic case that has had a devastating impact on all involved,” Detective Cunningham said.
“Our investigators have worked methodically to gather evidence and support the victim’s extended family through this complex and confronting investigation.
“Our thoughts are with the young man’s loved ones and those in the community who continue to grieve this loss.”
Jakob was born with a brain injury and his main medical conditions included cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
Torrens had previously run a fundraising page for Jakob, which stated his brain injury was caused by a virus she caught while pregnant.
“We lost his twin brother at 20 wks (sic) pregnant, due to a virus I had at 13 wks (sic),” the social media post said.
“This caused Jakob’s brain injury, and he wasn’t expected to survive at all.
“Despite the rollercoaster ride, we have a very happy, social and loving little boy and are very thankful for that.
“My little fighter proved all the doctors wrong and I wouldn’t change a thing. I love him to bits!”
The fundraising page, Team Jakob Casey, raised money for Jakob to get a beach wheelchair.
Torrens often shared photos of Jakob – who was wheelchair-bound – at events, during Christmas celebrations, at ComicCon, and watching State of Origin.
She also shared multiple posts about disability awareness, saying she was blessed to have her son.
Torrens appeared in Beenleigh Magistrates Court via video link on Wednesday where prosecution formally upgraded the charge to murder.
Acting Magistrate Gary Finger adjourned the matter to August 20 for mention for the prosecution to obtain at least a partial brief of evidence for the new charge from the investigating officer.
She appeared via video link and no bail application was made.
Torrens was remanded in custody.
Originally published as Cassandra Joy Torrens, 40, charged with murder of teenage son, Jakob Michael Casey at Daisy Hill
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