Lauren Ingrid Flanigan charged with murder of daughter Sophia as dad speaks

The father of a three-year-old girl who police allege was killed by her mother says the system “failed” his daughter, as a beachside memorial and fundraiser are created for the family.

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, posted repeatedly about her beloved children, including during her pregnancy.

The father of a three-year-old girl who police allege was stabbed to death by her mother says the system “failed” his daughter and she paid the price.

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, allegedly stabbed her daughter Sophia multiple times on the front lawn of their Moore Park home on Monday afternoon while two younger children were inside the house.

Sophia’s father Jai Ruane told The Courier-Mail that systems designed to protect children like Sophia had failed.

“This could have easily been prevented,” he said.

Jai Ruane.

“I’ve been fighting this for the last year.

“The system failed us and now my daughter Sophia has paid for it with her life.

“The questions now, Why did she die? Were there warning signs? Yes there were but they just let it off.”

Mr Ruane said she had previously attempted to take legal steps to prevent him seeing his children but the matter had been dropped for lack of evidence.

“She was sticking knives in walls,” he said.

“And I couldn’t even do a welfare check on the children.”

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, has been charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter.

Mr Ruane said he wanted his daughter to be remembered for the vibrant girl she was.

“She was the most amazing girl,” he said.

“She just lit up the room. She was a social butterfly. She was beautiful.”

A beachside memorial has been created for Sophia, with her family asking the public to remember her as the “ray of sunshine” she was.

On Thursday the crime scene had been contained to just the house where it happened, with flowers placed in front of it.

Since the incident members of the public have rallied together to support the family.

Flowers, several teddy bears and toys have been placed at a little Beach Library in Moore Park Beach alongside a picture of Sophia.

One letter read, “To Sophia, We will miss you so very much, sweet girl.”

“You now have your very own fairy wings, fly high princess.”

Beachside memorial for 3 year-old Sophia, Moore Park Beach. Picture: Liam Kidston

Donations to offer immediate support to the family are being made at the Moore Park Beach Tavern and The Hub at Moore Park Beach.

A GoFundMe created on Thursday had already raised more than $13,000 in less than a day.

A friend of the father Connor Thompson created the GoFundMe saying the family had asked for the emphasis to be on Sophia Rose.

“We share a yellow rose as a tribute to Sophia’s life, a symbol of remembrance and friendship and a light in the darkest of times,” the statement read.

“Sophia Rose was a sweet little girl with big eyes and an infectious laugh that could light up the room.

“Her smile was like a ray of sunshine and her heart was as pure as gold. Sophia always wanted to help and was the best big sister to her baby brother and sister. “Though her time here was short, the love she gave and the joy she shared will stay with us forever.”

Sophia’s death comes after a series of strange messages from Ms Flanigan to social media about religion and her purported trauma.

Beachside memorial at Moore Park Beach. Picture: Liam Kidston

“This is Kingdom Rising,” one of the posts read.

Minister for Child Safety Amanda Camm said the death of Sophia was an absolute tragedy.

“Our sympathies go out to those who loved her,” she said.

“While the Child Protection Act 1999 prevents us from discussing individual cases, we take our responsibility for protecting Queensland’s most vulnerable children seriously.

“Their safety and wellbeing will always be our highest priority.

“It would be inappropriate to comment further while a homicide investigation is under way.”

The home where Sophia was allegedly killed remained a crime scene on Thursday.

A candlelight vigil is being held for Sophia on Sunday between four and 6pm at the Moore Park Beach foreshore.

Everyone is welcome and attendees are encouraged to bring glowsticks, bubbles and consider wearing pink or sparkles, in honour of Sophia.

A candlelight vigil will be held on Sunday.

Originally published as Lauren Ingrid Flanigan charged with murder of daughter Sophia as dad speaks