The science behind claims Kathleen Folbigg should be freed

What is the development the scientists are arguing should result in Kathleen Folbigg being freed?

Kathleen Folbigg pictured in 2000.

What is the development the scientists are arguing should result in Kathleen Folbigg being freed?

Both of Folbigg’s daughters, Sarah and Laura, were found to have been carrying the previously unknown “G114R’’ variant in the CALM2 gene, which they had inherited from their mother.

ANU researchers Carola Vinuesa and Todor Arsov discovered the gene mutation after genome sequencing Folbigg in 2018.

According to the ANU, international research established that the mutation was likely to lead to sudden and unexpected death in infancy and childhood, by causing lethal cardiac arrhythmias.

Consequently, the researchers believed this was a “a reasonable explanation for a natural cause of their deaths”.

Researchers also noted Folbigg’s two sons, Caleb and Patrick, had illnesses which could aggravate or cause respiratory arrest.

Further genomic research was conducted as part of the inquiry into Folbigg’s convictions in 2019, but the inquiry concluded before the full research evaluation was completed.