Gordonvale man Trevor James Thomsen charged with torture and manslaughter
The presenting to hospital of a two-year-old boy with horrific injuries, including suspicious wounds to his face and body, has led to the laying of torture and manslaughter charges.
Cairns
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The presenting to hospital of a two-year-old boy with horrific injuries, including suspicious wounds to his face and body, has led a Gordonvale man being charged with torture and manslaughter.
Trevor James Thomsen, 39, faced Cairns Magistrates Court on Saturday in connection to the child’s death following a two-year police investigation.
Officers from the Cairns Child Protection Unit began an investigation into the boy’s death in 2021 under Operation Tango Comter and on Friday charged Mr Thomsen, 39, with one count each of torture and manslaughter.
Police allege at approximately 4.30am on September 27, 2021, emergency services were called to a McSweeney Crescent home in Gordonvale in response to reports of an unresponsive 23-month-old child.
The child was taken to the Cairns Hospital for treatment.
Police further allege the child later died in Cairns Hospital where suspicious injuries were found on his face and body.
On the weekend Detective Acting Inspector Jason Chetham confirmed Mr Thomsen had been found and charged after a long investigation.
“We have been actively pursuing this investigation since 2021,” he said.
“When we came across his vehicle we quickly moved to apprehend him.”
Det Act Insp Chetham said officers involved in the investigation had been dedicated to their work and had followed up every possible lead.
“We have been engaging with a number of child trauma specialists, including paediatric trauma doctors in Brisbane,” he said.
Mr Thomsen appeared in court on Saturday and was remanded in custody.
His case will be mentioned again at the Cairns Magistrates Court on Monday.
Det Act Insp Chetham said officers were still keen to hear from anyone who may have information regarding the matter.
“We welcome anyone with information who may not have come forward previously to contact us through Crimestoppers,” he said.
“Please call 1300 333 000”.
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Originally published as Gordonvale man Trevor James Thomsen charged with torture and manslaughter
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