Their time was heartbreakingly short, but their impact was profound: These are the stories of 35 Australian children lost to alleged unlawful acts in 2022
A teen born to lead. A girl who dreamed of being a doctor. A lad who just got his licence. A boy who loved fishing. We reveal the stories of the 36 children lost to alleged unlawful acts in 2022.
Regional News
Don't miss out on the headlines from Regional News. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Some 36 children and young people across Australia lost their lives due to alleged unlawful acts in 2022.
The youngest victim was a 14-week-old boy killed by his father in a double murder-suicide near Alice Springs. The man also killed the child’s mother. The child was among a number of Indigenous children killed in 2022.
Twenty-five of the children lost were boys. Eleven were girls. All were aged 17 or under.
Scroll down to read the stories of the Australian children lost in 2022
With 12 deaths, Queensland had the highest number of children and young people lost to alleged unlawful acts.
A total of nine children died in Western Australia, six were lost in NSW, five in Victoria, the ACT had two victims and the NT and SA each lost one child. There were no suspicious deaths in Tasmania.
It must be stressed not all these deaths were family violence but it can be confirmed
some 23 children were allegedly killed by a parent or step-parent.
Males are suspected in 18 of the deaths, women are suspected in 14 cases and both male and female suspects were charged over three deaths.
Eight children died in suspicious fires and eight were allegedly stabbed to death.
Blunt force trauma was alleged in five deaths while some children were allegedly drowned, shot or died as a result of neglect.
Thirteen of the children were from multicultural backgrounds, 10 were Indigenous, 10 were Caucasian and three had chronic illness or disability.
Their time on earth was heartbreakingly short, but the impact they had on their families, peers, friends and communities was profound. These are the stories of the 36 Australian children lost to alleged and suspected unlawful acts in 2022.
QUEENSLAND
Jayden Dau
Jayden Dau was his mum’s greatest joy, he had just got his driver’s licence and was starting a career in the construction industry. Like so many Australians on December 31, he was celebrating the end of 2021. During a New Year’s Eve party in Manoora, the 17-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death by a 14-year-old boy. Jayden died on January 1, making him the first Australian lost to an alleged unlawful act in 2022. “He is always going to be my handsome young man but I’m going to be unable to see him in the future,” his mum told a media outlet. “I am never going to see my kid. Entering the emergency hospital thinking that you are going to walk in and see your son sitting there and (saying) ‘it’s going to be OK’. A mother’s love is always a mother’s love, you can never take that away.”
Elizabeth Rose Struhs
Young Elizabeth Rose Struhs had a big heart, a love of poetry, a passion for music and a belief she could use her experience of chronic illness to improve the lives of other children. Elizabeth suffered from diabetes and was dependent on insulin to survive. The little girl told her Gabbinbar State School teacher Rachel La Franchi she wanted to be a doctor when she grew up. Elizabeth will be forever eight years old. She died in tragic and shocking circumstances at her home in Rangeville - a suburb of Toowoomba - on January 7. “She would sing out loud, play the keyboard and read chapter books and poetry to the class,” Ms La Franchi said. “She was shy but she knew that the kids loved to see her out the front, doing things to make them happy.” Elizabeth came from a large family and was one of seven siblings. Her parents are charged with murder, torture and failing to provide the necessities of life for their daughter. A further eight people are also charged over her death.
Jaylen Troy Priest
Toddler Jaylen Troy Priest loved his dad and watching the children’s television show Cocomelon. He was a lovely and easy-going little boy. On January 8, 16-month-old Jaylen died from injuries allegedly sustained some nine days earlier during an incident at his home in Burpengary. Jaylen’s stepfather is charged with his murder. Jaylen’s dad Brayden Priest told media he had not seen his son for 10 months. When he did spend time with the little lad they would cuddle and watch Cocomelon, he told media.
Logan Shaun Hawkins
Two-year-old Logan Shaun Hawkins spent his last morning alive - January 18 - at daycare in Rockhampton. He was picked up by his stepmother after becoming sick. That evening, Logan was taken to hospital. His life support was turned off some three days later on January 21. His stepmother is charged with his murder.
Balin Stewart
Balin Stewart’s start in life was a little rough, having come into the world with some post-birth complications. He overcame the early problems and excelled at school and in the community. The 16-year-old was a popular lad, known for his love of white and adored in equal measure by his family and his mates. On January 20, Balin went to a friend’s party before returning to his Buddina home to watch YouTube videos with his dad Michael. Shortly after Michael went to bed, Balin was allegedly stabbed on the front lawn of their home. He passed away in his parents’ arms. A 17-year-old male is charged with his murder. Balin’s funeral was attended by countless mourners. “I could talk about our beautiful boy all day, as he had so many amazing qualities but I‘ll end with the obvious one,” Michael said at the funeral.“Our Balin’s presence touched so many. For all the love and support you have shown Balin and we will repay you for not letting this death be in vain. Bin the blade for Balin will in time become a catchphrase, it will become a movement and every teen will come to know so no parent will have to go through something like this again.” In the wake of Balin’s death, his family started the #BinTheBladeForBalin campaign and the Balin Stewart foundation. Their hope is to end knife violence.
Bradley Smith
Bradley Smith was only 14 but he was the kind of human who would do anything for his loved ones. Life could be hard at times for the teenager but somehow he found the strength to be “loving, kind and nurturing” his big sister Jessica Schirmer says. Bradley was killed in a vehicle incident in Manoora on February 14. Another boy, also 14, is charged with his manslaughter. Bradley’s former carer Tiarnie Mueller told the Cairns Post people needed to look beyond the stereotype of the boy who endured “terrible trauma” including losing both his parents. “Bradley’s death has ripped a hole in our hearts, she said. Bradley had a troubled life, his mother died when he was young and his father died about a year and a half ago.”
Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz
Eight-year-old Berserker Street State School student Zion Ziggy Sean Goltz was a bubbly child. He made people smile with his friendly and enthusiastic nature. One of six siblings, Zion’s young life was tough -he was diagnosed with autism and had spent years living in foster care. He had not long returned to his family when he died in Berserker on July 29. Zion’s mother is charged with his murder. After Zion’s death, his friends, teachers and others left flowers and tributes for the lad. “Zion you were the most gorgeous little man,” one of his teachers wrote on social media. “Your face would brighten my day each time you came into ECDP, and won us all over with that cheeky grin. RIP munchkin.”
Cara Jenny Bob
Cara Jenny Bob was a sweet girl with a beautiful generous nature and a love for her friends and family. She turned 13 just one week before a 53-year-old man allegedly drove his car into her and a group of other people on August 6 in Pioneer. The man is charged with Cara’s murder. “(Cara) was friendly to everyone so what hurts me the most is the way she died,” Cara’s aunty said. “She had such a beautiful heart.”
Caiden Chase Allen
Tiny Caiden Chase Allen had three brothers and one sister. Little else is known about the five-year-old boy who died of injuries sustained in an alleged assault at a home in Yarrabah on August 16. Caiden’s father is charged with murder, grievous bodily harm, torture, assault occasioning bodily harm while armed and assault occasioning bodily harm.
Rhuan Bosch
Young Rhuan Bosch was adored by his grandfather, who wrote a poem about the seven-month-old shortly after his death on November 3 at Yugar. “Why? How could this happen?,” Rhuan’s grandfather wrote. “Why you? The sorrow which your absence caused will never end. Your name is Rhuan. Nobody will understand. Nothing will be the same as before.” Rhuan’s parents are charged with torture and murder over his death.
Kirra Mooney
Kirra Mooney was a much-loved daughter and sister who lit up the lives of all who knew her. The 10-year-old was a keen swimmer and was looking forward to her dad Todd marrying her mum Bec. Just days before her parents were due to tie the knot, Kirra and Todd died in a fire at Biggenden. A woman is charged with two counts of murder over the December 20 blaze. Kirra’s brother Brydon Jones said his sister was gorgeous inside and out, she was funny and adored being with her friends and family.
Riley Wells
Riley Wells was a six-year-old boy who loved living in the country, often going fishing and shooting with his dad and spending time with his two brothers and both his parents. He was mad for motorbikes and his favourite colours were green and orange. On January 6, Riley died in a vehicle incident on the Carnavon Highway some 20km from Injune. Two adults are charged with his manslaughter. The charged people are not his parents.
NEW SOUTH WALES
Unnamed 13-year-old boy
An unnamed 13-year-old boy was allegedly stabbed to death in Kariong on January 11. A 13-year-old male is charged with his murder. The boy, who we cannot identify, was a keen rugby player who had strong friendships in his community.
Charlise Mutten
Nine-year-old Charlise Mutten was a student at Tweed Heads Public School. She disappeared on January 11. Her body was found some five days later in a barrel near the Colo River in the Blue Mountains on January 11. Charlise’s 31-year-old stepfather is charged with her murder. After Charlise was found, her school posted a photo on social media of the little girl holding a literacy award granted to her the previous year. The school wrote a message in tribute for the youngster, saying: “Don’t count the days, make the days count.”
Uati (Pete) Faletolu
Uati (Pete) Faletolu - a lad of Pacific Island descent - was working at the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s Break Dance ride before he was allegedly stabbed to death on April 22. The 17-year-old met up with friends and then, police allege, three other males attacked him. They are charged over his death. In the wake of Pete’s death, his loved ones gathered to remember a boy everyone adored. “I don’t have the words right now to describe the pain we are all feeling right now all I know is I would never wish this pain on anyone,” one friend wrote on social media. “We are all in pieces knowing you’ve left the earth.”
Lachlan Andrews
Dad-to-be Lachlan Andrews was a labourer with a glorious mullet. The 17-year-old spent his days working on flood-affected homes in the Northern Rivers area. On May 29, he was at the town’s KFC when a male allegedly ended his life. Lachlan was not far off his 18th birthday and his partner was expecting their first child. “Lachlan was such a bright person - he had a lot of life in him,” Lachlan’s sister Paige Dopson said. “There wasn’t an ounce of bad in you, you were treasured gold.” Another boy was injured during the alleged attack, A 17-year-old is charged with murder, reckless wounding and affray. A month after he died, Lachlan’s friend Ned Gronow was killed. Ned’s story can be found below.
Ned Gronow
Young Casino lad Ned Gronow was adored by his siblings Jacob, Sam and Emily. He was allegedly stabbed to death at his home on June 25. Ned was friends with Lachlan Andrews who was killed about three weeks earlier on May 29 in Casino. After Ned was killed, his family wrote on a Go Fund Me website of their love for the 17-year-old. Two males are charged over his death.
Alosceous Jay Samarawickrama
Alosceous Jay Samarawickrama was looking forward to his first day as an air-conditioning apprentice when he was allegedly stabbed to death in Ropes Crossing on June 4. The 16-year-old was at a party when he was allegedly attacked. Alosceous was admired by his family, his friends and peers and his teachers. “There is one (student) that I would never have forgotten, even in another 50 years’ time,” one of his former teachers said of the teenager. “Hearing he had been murdered, so senselessly ... has rocked me. It has rocked all of our tight close-knit teaching community of Ropes Crossing. Rest in paradise, Alosceous. I won’t ever forget you.” Five people are charged over his death.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Unnamed 14-week-old boy
The tiny unnamed baby boy who was shot to death by his father at a property outside of Alice Springs on July 17 was the apple of his mum’s eye and very-much loved by his family. The 14-week-old died alongside her 30-year-old mother. After ending both the child and his mum’s lives, the 40-year-old man killed himself.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
Unnamed six-year-old girl
A six-year-old girl died after being found unresponsive at her home Adelaide on July 15. She suffered from a chronic illness and police are investigating her death. No one has been charged.
VICTORIA
Declan (Djay) Cutler
His name was Declan Cutler, but to his mates he will always be Djay. He was the eldest of five children, studied at the The Pavilion School in Epping and had just started working for his dad as a concreter. The 16-year-old was allegedly hunted down and killed in Coburg on March 13. Eight people are charged with Declan’s murder. “I want my baby back,” Declan’s mum Sam Cutler said in the wake of his death. “I don’t know if I will ever find peace again — he was my first love.” His godmother Kelly Salmon said Declan was surrounded by friends. “If love alone could save him he would have lived forever,” she said. “He has more friends than any of us knew.”
Unnamed girls
They were two little sisters rarely parted in life. Now they are forever in each others’ arms. On March 24, the girls - both unnamed and whose ages are unknown but are believed to be under six - died in a fire near the Western Port Highway, Cranbourne West. It’s believed their mother, known only as Jasmine, murdered them and killed herself by setting their car on fire.
Spencer Jordan Recto
Wee Spencer Jordan Recto would be 13 months old now had he lived. He had thick black hair, cupid bow lips and a chubby round face. The tiny lad was killed in his Mernda home at the age of six months on May 20. Spencer’s mother Bao Tram Anh (Alyssa) Nguyen, 37, has pleaded guilty to infanticide.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
Pranav and Pradyuth Vivekanandan
Eight-year-old Pranav Vivekanandan and his brother Pradyuth Vivekanandan were students at Harrison Primary School in Canberra. They were drowned by their mother in the Yerrabi Pond at Gungahlin on November 2. The woman also killed herself. Little is known about the brothers but their friends and teachers left teddy bears, notes and flowers at the site of their murders. The children’s dad wrote a letter to the school, saying he was grateful the ACT community mourned his sons. “I have spoken to the boys’ father, he has asked me to pass on his thanks for our community’s care and concern,” ACT Education Directorate Andy Mison told the Canberra Times. “We will work with the family in due course to find an appropriate way to celebrate and remember these two wonderful boys. The support and care our staff have shown for each other and our students this week has been remarkable, especially as many are themselves experiencing shock and grief.”
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
Lily and Kohan Gunathilaka
Energetic, happy and excited. These are just some of the ways four-year-old Lily Gunathilaka and her six-year-old brother Kohan Gunathilaka will be remembered by those who loved them. Kohan was due to start Year One at Riverton Primary School when his life was cut short. Too young for school, Lily had a delightful and joyous face, dimples and vibrant brown eyes. The children were murdered by their father Indika Gunathilaka at his home in Huntingdale on January 28. After killing the children, Gunathilaka ended his own life. He was the subject of a domestic violence order, having subjected Kohan and Lily’s mum to abuse. “They were just normal kids,” their babysitter told a media outlet. “They were cute, full of energy and happy all the time.”
Aiden and Abiyah Selvan
Abiyah Selvan was a happy-go-lucky 10-year-old whose big smile could melt even the hardest of hearts. She was devoted to her little brother Aiden Selven. At just eight years old, Aiden was a young Mr Cool who loved performing at his Sunday school. The children excelled in their classes at Memorial at Providence Christian College. They were adored by their teachers and their peers. Abiyah and Aiden were murdered by their mother Selvamma Doreswamy at John Graham Reserve in Coogee on March 14. The children and Doreswamy were found in a burnt-out car. It is not known if the children were alive when the car was set alight. Their mother died in the fire. “Miss you Aiden. This is a toy for you to have in heaven. Love you,” one of their young classmates wrote on a note left with flowers and toys following Aiden and Abiyah’s deaths. “I feel so sad. I wish you were here because there are so many questions I need answered,” another child said. “I hope that you will come back, I really like you and I feel really sorry for you.”
Jace McCullock
Photos show little Jace McCullock smiling and happy. His big dark eyes are bright and his thick brown hair sweeps across his forehead. The 14-month-old was as cute as a button and a joy to be around, those who loved him say. Jace had only just taken his first steps when, on April 27, he was allegedly killed in his home in Madora Bay. Jace’s mother is charged with his murder. “It’s devastating. He was such a cute little boy,” neighbour Stan Grostate told a media outlet. “He smiled a lot. He used to play with my cat whenever they came over. He left a dummy and his toy at my place. That’s all that’s left.”
Unnamed 10-year-old girl, five-month-old boy and seven-year-old boy
There’s so little to write about the three children killed by their mother at Port Headland on July 19. The victims were Indigenous and cannot be identified for cultural reasons. Described by their family as little angels, they were a 10-year-old girl, a seven-year-old boy and a five-month-old boy. The children’s mother, Margaret Dale Hawke has pleaded guilty to their murders and criminal damage by fire. She trapped the children in a room before the house was set alight.
Cassius Turvey
He had such a short life, but 15-year-old Cassius Turvey packed so much into it. The Noongar lad was walking home from his school in Middle Swan when he was allegedly beaten by a Caucasian male in an alleged race-based attack. He was taken to hospital on October 13. Despite every attempt to save him, Cassius passed away 10 days later. His funeral and memorial were attended by countless family, friends and peers, all of whom admired, adored and respected the young man who was destined to become a strong leader of his community and who was known for his generosity and conscientious outlook. Cassius’s mother Mechelle Turvey said her boy was a “gentle” lad, both cheeky and accomplished. Mechelle said money raised in the wake of her son’s death would be used to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. “He’ll be a leader and he has left behind an amazing legacy,” she said. “All his brother boys here, they know what they got to do now. They’re not the followers no more, they are the leaders. His cheekiness, his smile, his accomplishments, no matter what he got into, it was all there. Everything was about family, friends, everyone was there in some way or form.” A 21-year-old male is charged with his murder.
News Corp’s Sherele Moody has multiple journalism excellence awards for her work highlighting violence in Australia. Sherele is also an Our Watch fellow, the founder of The RED HEART Campaign, Australian Femicide Watch, the Australian Femicide & Child Death Map and All That Remains: The Memorial to Women and Children Lost to Violence.
More Coverage
Originally published as Their time was heartbreakingly short, but their impact was profound: These are the stories of 35 Australian children lost to alleged unlawful acts in 2022
Cash splash in bid to address Qld teacher shortage
Up to $30,000 will be offered to new teachers in the latest push to fill vacant positions in regional and remote parts of the state.
‘Low flying missile’: Rider clocked at 121km/h in 60 zone
A motorcycle rider has been clocked at more than 120km/h along one of the busiest tourist strips on the Sunshine Coast. SEE THE VIDEO
‘We get bugger all’: Backlash over Brisbane tunnel ’stunt’
A tunnel to bust congestion, or just digging a bigger hole for Queensland? HAVE YOUR SAY
Fire to burn for days in Gold Coast bushland
Nearly a dozen fire crews have worked late into the night to contain a blaze in bushland on the northern Gold Coast. Read the latest update.
Beach please! Far North Qld suburbs battle to be the best
One is a tourist gem and the other was voted Best Beach in the World, and now just $100k seperates their median house prices. See the Qld spots worth far less than their southern rivals.
‘Fried off his face’: 16yo sentenced for meth-fuelled crime spree while on bail
A 16-year-old boy has faced 41 charges in Childrens Court for a meth fuelled spree stealing cars, and driving dangerously admitting to police. See what was said in the first of cases the public can now see.