Breannon and Jack Campbell charged with manslaughter over death of daughter

Police will allege that the parents of three-year-old Penelope Rose Campbell, who are charged with manslaughter over her death, failed to provide treatment for a condition she had from birth.

Breannon and Jack Campbell have been charged with manslaughter over the death of their three-year-old daughter.

On July 7, 2022, Penelope Rose was taken to Townsville University Hospital for a medical incident, where she died later that day, police say.

Police will allege the parents didn’t appropriately respond to their daughter’s illness, a rare genetic disorder, which caused her death.

Penelope Rose Campbell, whose parents have been charged with manslaughter over her death.

Breannon and Jack Campbell have been charged with manslaughter over the death of their three-year-old daughter, Penelope Rose.

Mrs Campbell is a self-employed photographer and baker, and a teacher aide.

She shared posts to her Instagram page in the wake of Penelope’s death, saying she would do “absolutely anything” to have her back.

“Every day we are missing you, every day we think of you and every day we talk about you.”

Mr Campbell, who studied at Kirwan State High School, is a yard worker.

The couple have been married for four years.

Townsville Detective Senior Sergeant David Miles called it a case of ‘neglect’. Picture: Paul Brescia

Townsville Detective Senior Sergeant David Miles said that police will allege the condition was “totally treatable”.

“This was a totally survivable medical condition. Our case is that this child should not have died from this condition,” Sgt Miles alleged.

When describing the treatment plan the parents allegedly failed to follow, Sgt Miles said police will allege as part of their case there was nothing intensive about it.

“There was a whole range of medical professionals for the family to access,” he said.

“[We will be alleging] this is a case of neglect, negligence on behalf of the family, which is why the charge of manslaughter has been preferred.”

Sgt Miles said the parents had responded appropriately to the condition a number of times in the past, but police will allege they failed to on this occasion.

The parents became aware of their child’s condition at 4pm, with the child passing away the following morning, according to police.

Police are not concerned for the welfare of the parents’ other children, Sgt Miles said.

Townsville Child Protection Investigation Unit officers commenced Operation Uniform Baxteri to investigate the death of the child.

The parents were granted police bail to appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on February 13.

Originally published as Breannon and Jack Campbell charged with manslaughter over death of daughter