St Lucy’s School in Wahroonga mourns after murder-suicide of the family in their Davidson home
THE amazing artwork of little Martin Manrique, who was killed with his parents in a suspected murder-suicide this week, will be displayed as a tribute to him at his Wahroonga school.
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WHAT he could not express in words, ten year old Martin Manrique somehow managed to convey in art.
In spite, or perhaps because, of the autism that robbed him of speech the youngest victim of Monday’s tragic suspected murder suicide was a gifted painter, evidenced in a series of stunning images which delighted teachers and staff at his school, St Lucy’s.
The artworks show a precocious talent with a command of subject, colour and composition unusual in one so young.
And they serve as a poignant reminder of the devastating loss experienced by local community and the school which now plans to exhibit the paintings in memory of the Martin and his 11 year old sister Elise.
Deputy principal Susan Jones said Martin’s personality shone through in his extraordinary talent.
“Martin loved nothing more than a cuddle,” Ms Jones told the Hornsby Advocate.
“But his passion for animals shone through each and every day. He was a prolific painter and a very gifted artist — that was how he communicated, through his art. Martin was a cheeky and funny little boy.”
The siblings were found dead at their Davidson home on Monday along with their mother Maria Claudia Lutz Pena and father Fernando Manrique in a tragedy police are investigating as a murder-suicide following the discovery of gas bottles in the house.
The Wahroonga school contacted police after Ms Lutz Pena did not show up for canteen duty.
Ms Jones said they were devastated to lose the two children with intellectual disabilities.
“We lost two loved children and an amazing mother — the hole they have left in the heart of the community is immense,” Ms Jones said.
“We are focusing on what they brought to us, their fun loving nature, Maria’s dedication to knowing every member of our community by name, Ellie’s smile and Martin’s amazing talent with a paint brush.”
Ms Jones said staff had also remembered the “special moments” they had with 11-year-old Elisa.
“Elisa would hold your hand in the sweetest way, she was known for this,” Ms Jones said.
“She would look into your eyes and smile and lead staff around the oval.
“She loved all forms of art, she danced, sung and painted each and every day.
“Elisa would create art whenever she could, like her brother, this is how she communicated — she was unique, and she will not be forgotten.”
Ms Jones said commemorations would continue for “day, months and years to come”. “Our families endure the hardships of raising a child with a disability, but the fact that they have come together today to support their family is a testament to each and everyone of them.
“We won’t just commemorate in one way, we will always remember them.”
Worker fears families are under ‘immense pressure’
A worker in the respite care field has expressed concern over the death of a Davidson family with two disabled children saying changes to the health system are placing people under immense pressure’’.
St Lucy’s School principal Warren Hopley said mother Maria Lutz Pena revealed on Friday she was very pleased the National Disability Insurance Scheme funding had come through.
“It was another step forward in supporting her children,’’ Mr Hopley said.
An anonymous source told the Hornsby Advocate that three children and four adult respite care facilities in the Northern Sydney region would close as the NDIS was rolled out.
“I have spoken to a number of families in the district that have been impacted by recent changes of support services in the area,’’ the source said. “The immense pressure that this will put families under is huge. I truly hope that what happened ... does not occur again but with the lack of resources, the future looks very dark and uncertain.”
A Department of Social Services spokeswoman said “a number of government disability programs are gradually transitioning into the National Disability Insurance Scheme”.
“Clients from these programs are being assisted to test their eligibility for the NDIS when it begins in their area,” the spokeswoman said.
“If people are granted access to the NDIS, then the NDIS will be their new source of support going forwards, giving them choice and control over the help they receive.”
Support is available for those who may be distressed by phoning Lifeline 13 11 14; Mensline 1300 789 978; Kids Helpline 1800 551 800; beyondblue 1300 224 636
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