One year after Kobi Shepherdson’s murder, an Advertiser investigation reveals the pattern of buck-passing putting vulnerable kids in danger

One year ago, baby Kobi plunged to her death at Whispering Wall. But despite repeated pleas, official recommendations to protect kids like her have been ignored.

One year ago, little Kobi Shepherdson plunged to her death strapped to a man who had the ultimate responsibility to protect her – her father.

In a case that horrified the nation, Henry Shepherdson drove his nine-month-old daughter to the Whispering Wall reservoir and, at 4.30pm, jumped off the 36m-high dam as witnesses watched in shock. Both died at the scene.

Just hours earlier, a court had granted Shepherdson renewed access to Kobi, overturning a ban imposed when he allegedly assaulted and threatened to kill her. Police also confirmed there had been a history of domestic violence between him and Kobi’s mother.

Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott noted Kobi had “a beautiful face, which could probably be the face of domestic violence moving forward”.

Kobi Shepherdson was nine months old when she was killed by her father in April 2021. Picture: SA Police

In the days and weeks that followed, South Australian leaders swore this must never happen again. That systems and safeguards must be put in place to protect children from evil at the hands of their own parents.

But, 12 months on from Kobi’s murder on April 21, not enough has changed.

An Advertiser investigation has revealed a pattern of inaction following the deaths of children killed at the hands of their parents or the partners of their parents.

State governments, Labor and Liberal, have failed to implement key coroner’s recommendations and other calls for reform.

Explored in a five-part series published over the coming days, the recommendations include improvements to child protection systems, mental health services and reporting requirements.

The revelation has prompted child safety advocates, experts and families to unite in a push for change.

Kobi Shepherdson’s father was granted access to her despite his history of violence.

A heartbroken mother and her young daughter lay flowers at the entrance to Whispering Wall the day after Kobi Shepherdson was murdered. Picture: Kate Lambe/Nine News Adelaide

‘Lack of accountability’

On Thursday, the state’s deputy coroner is expected to deliver his findings following an inquest into the deaths of Amber Rose Rigney, 6, and her brother Korey Lee Mitchell, 5.

The two children were strangled to death by their mother Adeline Yvette Wilson-Rigney’s partner Steven Graham Peet, who also killed Ms Wilson-Rigney on May 20, 2016.

Their grandparents, Steve Egberts and Janet Wells, are urging the state government to adopt the recommendations contained in the report and implement strategies to protect vulnerable children.

But, they say, the response of child protection authorities since the tragedy has left them with low expectations.

“They’re making changes but nobody is adhering to them,” Mr Egberts said.

Adeline Yvette Wilson-Rigney, far right, with her children Korey Lee Mitchell and Amber Rose Rigney.

“There’s a real lack of accountability.”

Mr Egberts said parts of the inquest had been “like banging your head on the wall” because evidence highlighted the obvious risks to his grandchildren in the lead-up to their death.

He said the child protection in South Australia places too much focus on parents, and the system needs a drastic overhaul.

“There is no child protection system,” he said.

“It’s a parent protection system, it always has been.”

‘Outcomes must be improved’

The state’s new child protection minister, Katrine Hildyard, said it was “heartbreaking” to reflect on the death of baby Kobi.

“I offer my deep condolences again to loved ones,” she said.

New minister Katrine Hildyard has vowed to “thoroughly and continuously examine systems and procedures” to protect vulnerable children. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Morgan Sette

Ms Hildyard said “outcomes for vulnerable South Australian children and young people must be improved”, and work to achieve those improvements had already began.

“As minister for child protection, I intend to thoroughly and continuously examine systems and procedures to ensure they work as well as possible to keep children safe,” she said.

“The South Australian children who most need us to hear their voices, to see their experiences and to act must be prioritised.”

READ PART 2 OF OUR SPECIAL REPORT TOMORROW ON ADVERTISER.COM.AU