Kobi Shepherdson’s family ‘absolutely devastated’ after apparent murder-suicide by father Henry at Whispering Wall

The nine-month-old’s family say they are “absolutely devastated” after she plunged to her death, strapped to her father, earlier this week.

Kobi Shepherdson died after her father, to whom she was attached via a baby carrier, jumped off a dam retaining wall. Picture: SAPOL via NCA NewsWire

The family of a nine-month-old baby killed by her father in a suspected murder-suicide in South Australia say they are “absolutely devastated”.

Kobi Shepherdson was attached to her father, 38-year-old Henry, in a child carrier when witnesses reported seeing them “jump” off the Whispering Wall at the Barossa Reservoir at 4.30pm on Wednesday.

When emergency services arrived at the scene, Mr Shepherdson was already deceased and Kobi was unresponsive. Despite the efforts of witnesses and later paramedics, she was pronounced dead.

Leisa Shepherdson Casey has paid tribute to her 'beautiful niece' Kobi, who was killed by her father in an apparent murder-suicide on Wednesday.

In a heartfelt post on Facebook, Kobi’s aunt Leisa Shepherdson Casey asked for privacy as the family “went through these emotions.”

“We are completely devastated. My heart is heavy and my tears are dry, robbed in the most cruellest way of my beautiful niece Kobi,” she wrote.

“Auntie Leis loves you little poppet. You’ll be forever in my heart.”

South Australian Senator Marielle Smith said the community was “heartbroken” for the family.

“I express my deepest condolences to the mother, family and loved ones of this precious little girl,” she wrote on Facebook.

“As a community our hearts are breaking for all of them at this devastating time.

“To those who provided assistance and our emergency services, our thoughts and sincere thanks are with you too.

“If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, 1800 RESPECT is available 24 hours a day. In an emergency, always call 000.”

Kobi Shepherdson’s family say they are ‘absolutely devastated’ by her death. Picture: SAPOL via NCA NewsWire

Early investigations have revealed a history of domestic violence between Mr Shepherdson and Kobi’s mother, police confirmed on Thursday.

“Every relationship is a complex thing, particularly when there is also domestic violence involved in the relationship,” Assistant Commissioner Ian Parrott said.

“ … We have a beautiful face, which could probably be the face of domestic violence moving forward.”