Watch the arrest: Charlie’s mum Crystal Nowland charged with manslaughter

The family of Crystal Nowland says the “still grieving” mum will fight the manslaughter charge over the death of little Charlie. Watch the arrest video here.

The mother of six-year-old Charlie Nowland who died amid claims of criminal neglect has been arrested.

Crystal Nowland has been charged with manslaughter over the death of her daughter – one of three arrests today in relation to child deaths in SA.

It is understood she will also face charges of criminal neglect in connection to the alleged mistreatment of her other children.

About 7am Wednesday, Ms Nowland was led from her Munno Para home by detectives.

Neighbours said they were shocked at the early morning arrest more than nine months after Charlie’s death.

Ms Nowland’s niece Reannett Bini told The Advertiser her family would support Ms Nowland following the charges.

Crystal Nowland, centre, pictured with supportive friends Meegan Cox and Reannett Bini in July. Picture: Tom Huntley

“I know she’ll plead not guilty because she knows she’s done nothing wrong,” Ms Bini said.

Ms Bini, who has supported Ms Nowland’s denials of any wrongdoing in relation to Charlie’s death, said Ms Nowland had expected to be charged with manslaughter for the past month.

“She was saying then that she thought they were gunning for her for manslaughter,” Ms Bini said.

“She said, ‘They’re going to do me for manslaughter’.

“She was shaking all over.

“She was just really, really shaky.

“She’s still grieving really bad.”

Ms Bini said she had not expected Ms Nowland to be charged with manslaughter.

“I knew that she was going to be charged but I didn’t think it would be this bad,” Ms Bini said.

Security footage of Crystal Nowland, mother of deceased six-year-old girl Charlie, flanked by detectives as she’s led away from her Munno Para home. Picture: Supplied

Crystal Nowland in July 2022 following her daughter’s death. She was arrested and charged this morning. Picture: Tom Huntley

Little Charlie. Picture: Supplied

Charlie died amid claims of neglect. Picture: Supplied

A major criminal investigation was launched into Charlie’s death last July.

Paramedics were called to Charlie’s home on July 15, 2022. SA Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics arrived at the scene within eight minutes to find Charlie unresponsive.

The little girl died after being taken to the Lyell McEwin Hospital.

SA Police and other government agencies had previously been in contact with Charlie’s family before her death.

A special police task force was formed to investigate the girl’s death.

Speaking to The Advertiser last year, Ms Nowland denied she had neglected her daughter.

“I’m not a perfect mum, but I’m not the mum they’ve made me out to be,” she said.

“I’m not a perfect mum and I might do things arse to front, back to front, but I fed them all the time.

“Every payday – Thursday morning – at 7.30 I’d be at Foodland [to shop].”

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