Accused killer of Logan schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer took pills leading to him being placed in an induced coma

ACCUSED killer of Logan schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer placed in an induced coma after swallowing pills following his arrest yesterday.

Foster father Rick Thorburn leaves Logan Central police station yesterday. Pictures: Jack Tran

THE accused killer of Logan schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer took pills which led to him being placed in an induced coma, the Albert & Logan News can reveal.

Rick Thorburn, 56, was yesterday charged with the murder of Tiahleigh Palmer after the 12-year-old was reported missing on October 30 last year. Tiahleigh’s body was found on the banks of the Pimpama River by three fishermen on November 5.

A police source revealed Mr Thorburn had swallowed pills either at Logan Central Police Station or at the Beenleigh Watch House following his arrest yesterday.

He is currently in an induced coma in Brisbane’s Princess Alexandra Hospital.

Three other family members of Mr Thorburn - Julene, 54, Josh, 20, and Trent, 19, have been charged with several offences relating to the death of the Marsden State High School student.

Trent was denied police bail this morning when he appeared in the Southern Districts Magistrates Court in Beenleigh on charges of perjury, perverting the course of justice and incest.

Mr Thorburn was due to appear as well but his condition prevented that.