Tarrin-Macen murder case: Boy’s father ‘lost for words’ over arrest

The father of a four-year-old found face down and naked in a backyard pool is still in a daze after revelations the boy’s mother had been arrested and charged with murder.

Tarrin-Macen Kenneth O'Sullivan with his father Andrew O’Sullivan (left) and his mother, and accused killer, Tara Richardson (right). Picture: Contributed

The father of a four-year-old found face down and naked in a backyard pool near Sarina is “still lost for words” after learning the boy’s mother had been arrested and charged with his murder.

“It’s never been an easy path and still will not be an easy path, I’ve been distraught from day one and still am,” Andrew O’Sullivan said on Sunday.

Tarrin-Macen Kenneth O’Sullivan was pulled from the pool at a Munbura home in the late afternoon on August 29, 2021.

Almost 2.5 years later his mother Tara Richardson, 46, was charged with murder and interfering with a corpse, as Mackay detectives reveal they will allege little Tarrin-Macen was dead before he entered the water.

Tara Richardson, 46, has been charged with the murder of her four-year-old son Tarrin-Macen Kenneth O'Sullivan after he was found face down in a pool near Sarina in August 2021.

Ms Richardson allegedly phoned triple-0 claiming her son had drowned.

A GoFundMe fundraiser was set up on behalf of the little boy’s family the day after his death.

Tarrin-Macen Kenneth O’Sullivan with his father Andrew O’Sullivan (left) and his mother, and accused killer, Tara Richardson (right). Picture: Contributed

It raised $1830 to help the family cover expenses.

Police will allege Ms Richardson was the only one home at the time of Tarrin-Macen’s death.

The child was found naked in the pool.

A woman has been taken into police custody in relation to the death of four year-old boy, Tarrin-Macen Kenneth O’Sullivan, who was found face down in the backyard pool near Sarina in 2021.

After a protracted and complex investigation, detectives went to Ms Richardson’s South Mackay home just after 6am on December 8 and took her into custody.

“There’s a sense of relief, kind of, but it’s still a long way to go,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

Mackay police have declared a crime scene at a Munbura home after declaring a homicide investigation into four-year-old Tarrin-Macen O’Sullivan.

“Knowing that the prime suspect is now in custody, that she’s not roaming the streets … is a little bit of justice.”

Mr O’Sullivan, who lives in Mackay, said he applauded the Queensland Police Service “for their effort and their continued support”.

“I definitely want justice for my son,” he said.

Ms Richardson’s court case has been adjourned to March 2024.