Emily Lever’s family still in dark over car death
The family of a three-year-old Morwell girl who died after being found in a car on a 42C day says it has been told ‘absolutely nothing’ as homicide squad detectives continue to piece together what led to the girl’s death.
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A homicide investigation remains ongoing after a young girl died in Morwell after being found unresponsive in the family car on a 42C day.
Emily Lever, 3, was at the home of her mother Monica Lever last Friday when she was found in the family car and died at the scene.
The Herald Sun understands the homicide squad has seized Ms Lever’s phone and car as part of its investigation.
Detectives have scoured The Boulevard in Morwell for CCTV footage and have canvassed eyewitness reports from neighbours.
A key focus will be determining how the child came to be in the car.
Karen Spark, whose son Shaun Lever is the girl’s father, on Friday told the Herald Sun the family was doing “as well as can be expected” under the circumstances.
“Shaun is hanging in there,” Mrs Spark said.
It is understood detectives have still not shed any light to Mr Lever about the circumstances of his daughter’s death.
“We have been told absolutely nothing,” Mrs Spark said.
A tribute was left on the lawn of the home after the news broke with a sign which read ‘Fly High Sweet One’ next to flowers and a plush toy.
Detective Inspector Tim Day said the Homicide Squad was still trying to establish the exact circumstances of young Emily’s death.
“They are trying to determine if there has been any offence committed, effectively,” Det Insp Day said.
He said it was “not unusual” for the homicide squad to be investigating a case such as this.
“We would take 300 calls a year from within the organisation to discuss deaths and whether or not they are suspicious,” he said.
“It is ensuring there is sufficient investigative rigour over the death of any person, particularly a three-year-old child.
“There is concerns with any unexplained death. It is far better to be cautious, to make sure there is nothing suspicious.”
Grandfather Leslie Spark this week told the Herald Sun Emily was a “beautiful little girl” who would be sorely missed.
“The worst is to come,” he said.
The family is organising arrangements for Emily’s funeral for next week.
The investigation remains ongoing and anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.