Multiple investigations launched into the death of 21-month old Mason Jet Lee
THREE investigations have been launched into the death of 21-month-old Mason Lee whose “horrific” injuries were “visible from head to toe”.
THREE separate investigations have been launched into the death of a toddler who was allowed to return home from hospital despite suffering a litany of unexplained injuries including a broken leg and ruptured bowel.
Mason Jet Lee was only 21 months old when his body was found at his home in Caboolture, north of Brisbane, on June 11.
It was likely he had been dead for many hours before the triple-0 call was made.
Detectives described the toddler’s injuries as so “horrific” they were “visible from head to toe”. Mason had also reportedly suffered an anal tear and had severe nappy rash.
The multiple reviews will examine how the child received the injuries and why he died a violent death at home.
As well as a police homicide investigation, the Queensland government on Sunday revealed the actions of doctors and child protection workers would also be probed following Mason’s death.
His 35-year-old stepfather was initially questioned by detectives before being released without charge a day later.
Detective Superintendent Cheryl Scanlon could not confirm details of the homicide investigation on Sunday, and would not state whether the man remained a suspect.
And while the Government would not confirm accusations a backlog of cases involving a transferred staffer was to blame, the actions of child safety officers will be reviewed by an independent expert panel.
Child Safety Minister Shannon Fentiman promised all the panel’s recommendations would be implemented.
The incident has seen the opposition label Queensland the worst in the nation when it comes to investigating child abuse.
Liberal National Party’s shadow minister Ros Bates said 46 per cent of reports were not followed up within the appropriate time frame of 30 days.
“The fact that Mason was returned back to his family is horrendous,” she said. “This minister needs to explain to Queenslanders what her department did what they knew and what they’re going to do to make sure (this) never happens again.”
Ms Fentiman said she couldn’t go into the specifics of the case but that Mason’s death was a “tragedy”.
“Like most Queenslanders today I am absolutely shocked and appalled by the reports that we’ve seen.”
She said Queensland was the most rigorous state when it came to investigating notifications of potential harm to children.
Speaking immediately after Mason’s death, Detective Acting Inspector Ben Fadian said the injuries were unlikely to have been the result of an accident and appeared to have been inflicted over weeks or even months.
“We believe the injuries were deliberately inflicted and deliberately caused,” he said. “We’re trying to piece together not only what happened on that night but also in the months leading up to Mason’s death.”
“We need to know if he was harmed, sick or injured any time this year.”
A team comprising detectives from the Child Trauma Taskforce, the Homicide Investigations Unit and local detectives are investigating the case, which has been called “complex and detailed”.
Mason lived at an address with his mother, but it has been reported that he hadn’t been with her in the days leading to his death.
Mason’s mother, Ann-Marie Lee, told Seven News: “It’s so bad, I can’t understand it.”
“He was just beautiful, he was, just so gentle.”
She told Seven she wanted to know what happened. “I want answers, I want justice for my son.”
Insp Fadian asked for anyone with information about the night Mason died or about him to speak up.
“We know Mason was part of a big family in the Caboolture area and he was known to many people and associates throughout the area through his family.”
- with AAP