Lauren Flanigan’s death in custody sparks controversial call

A women’s advocacy group says the death of a mum after she was locked up for killing her own daughter was a ‘moment of reckoning’ for how Queensland was dealing with people in crisis.

A women’s advocacy group says the death of a mum after she was locked up for killing her own daughter was a ‘moment of reckoning’ for how Queensland was dealing with people in crisis.

Three-year-old Sophia Rose died after she was repeatedly stabbed by her mother, Lauren Flanigan, sparking an outpouring of grief in the Bundaberg community.

Ms Flanigan, 32, died in hospital after she was found unresponsive on the floor of her high-risk cell last Friday evening.

The circumstances of Lauren’s death have not yet been disclosed to the public but community advocates says it was clear Lauren “needed care, support, and safety — not a prison cell”.

A representative from Sister’s Inside, a Queensland based advocacy group for women in custody said the mother of three’s death “must be a moment of reckoning.

“It is in all of our interests to build a society that responds to crisis with care, not cages.”

“Lauren was a vulnerable woman in crisis.

Sophia as a baby before she was allegedly murdered by her mother Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, at Moore Park Beach near Bundaberg.

“Her death is a tragedy, and it raises serious questions about how we respond to people in distress.”

A representative from the organisation said the long shadow of grief felt across the community must be held with “deep respect”, but Lauren, and her tragic death, were equally deserving of compassion and understanding.

“These truths are not in conflict — they are both real, and both deserving of space,” the group said.

The advocacy group is focused on supporting the 32-year-old woman’s family, who have asked for privacy from the media at this time.

“We will continue to walk alongside and support them as they seek those answers,” a representative from Sister’s Inside said.

Sophia Rose was killed by her mother outside the family home in Moore Park on Monday, May 26.

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, died in hospital after she was found unresponsive on the floor of her high-risk cell. Photo: Instagram.

One neighbour said they saw the little girl with her hair splayed out behind her on the pavement with emergency services unable to revive her.

Witnesses said the mother of three broke down, and was being consoled by two residents in the gutter of the front yard.

A vigil held at the foreshore of Moore Park Beach, known for being the location of the last photo of little Sophia posted online by her mother, allowed hundreds of community members to remember the 3-year-old for her love of the colour pink and the song Barbie Girl by Aqua.

One of her educators from Kids & Co, Libby French, said of Sophia, “we loved her in the little moments – in the way she twirled, in the way she laughed, in the way she held our hands without hesitation,” she said.

“She loved back, so openly, so beautifully.”

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, killed her daughter Sophia 3yrs at Moore Park Beach

Police on Wednesday released a statement on behalf of the Flanigan family saying they [the family] “will not be making any statements at this time”.

Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.

A report into Lauren’s death in custody is being prepared and will be presented to the coroner.