Suspicious toddler death: Police appeal for witnesses in murder investigation

A 16-month-old boy died more than a week after being rushed from his home to hospital in a critical condition.

Queensland police are urging witnesses to come forward after a baby boy died in suspicious circumstances in Brisbane’s north.

Following a child welfare report, emergency services were called to a Burpengary home just after midday on December 30.

Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Zitney told reporters the toddler’s mother and partner were home when paramedics arrived.

Detective Senior Sergeant Joe Zitney said the toddler’s family had minimal association with police regarding the child. Picture: Steve Pohlner

“They were met by a number of people that were within the house and as a result the child was removed from the house.”

The detective said the toddler’s family had minimal association with police regarding the child, although authorities had previously attended the Staaten Street home.

The toddler was rushed to Queensland Children’s Hospital in a critical condition and died on January 8.

The boy’s cause of death is yet to be determined.

The toddler’s cause of death is yet to be determined more than a month later. Picture: Brad Fleet

Authorities are appealing for witnesses as part of an investigation into the death.

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity in the area leading up to December 30 are urged to come forward.

Witnesses with any relevant images or footage are also encouraged to contact police.

Originally published as Suspicious toddler death: Police appeal for witnesses in murder investigation