Incomprehensible grief: Rowan’s life ended by person he should have been able to trust most
The mother of a toddler killed by his father in a murder suicide has bravely broken her silence, saying her boy was taken by ‘the person he should have been able to trust most’.
NSW
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The mother of a toddler killed by his father in a murder suicide said her boy was taken by ‘the person he should have been able to trust most’.
Sophie Roome, an intensive care doctor, bravely broke her silence on Wednesday to honour her precious child Rowan, 2, who died in a Lismore home on Sunday.
Dr Roome was at work at the local hospital, when the child’s father James Harrison, 38, a NSW Health business analyst, fatally poisoned the child and himself.
“Rowan’s life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence, perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust the most,” Dr Roome said.
“There are no possible excuses for this hurt, and no end to the pain it has caused. We are devastated. We will love and miss Rowan forever”.
Dr Roome and Harrison moved to the Northern Rivers region last year, with their son, but separated sometime later.
Harrison’s controlling behaviour led Dr Roome to seek an apprehended violence order last year, which was enforced by the local court.
The AVO was continued again in March this year to protect Dr Roome.
On Sunday, Harrison was spending the day with Rowan, when police said he killed them both inside his East Lismore rental home.
“Our family is facing incomprehensible grief. Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way,” Dr Roome said.
She said Rowan was a “beautiful, joyful and adored little boy”.
“He had so many amazing qualities, and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences. He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family. He touched the hearts of everyone lucky enough to be in his world.”
The distraught mother bravely thanked the many people who had reached out with their support.
“We thank all those who have provided support, and we acknowledge the suffering of James’ family, which is also immense,” she said.
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