A five-year-old boy has been found dead duct-taped inside a sleeping bag with plastic tape wrapped around his eyes. Police discovered the child's body in a “house of horrors” after worried neighbours contacted authorities.
Upon finding the child unresponsive inside the family home, emergency personnel immediately performed CPR on the child. Tragically, the child could not be revived and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Incident in New South Wales
The horrific incident occurred in New South Wales, Australia. Police found the dead child alongside his siblings who had also been taped up inside sleeping bags with tape across their eyes.
The couple inside the house told investigators they had used the duct-tape to help the children sleep at night. Potential charges brought against the couple will be considered after a post-mortem examination has been conducted into the child's death.
Investigation and police statement
Following the discovery of the dead five-year-old, the siblings of the deceased child have been placed with other family members. Police were previously called to the address back in 2025 after welfare concerns were sparked.
Homicide Squad and Child Abuse Squad detectives have now joined local investigators on the case. A spokesperson for NSW Police said: “An investigation is underway following the death of a boy in the Northern Rivers region this week.
“About 6.40am on Monday 12 October 2026, emergency services were called to a home in Grafton following reports a boy had been found unresponsive inside his home.
“Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended the scene and commenced CPR on the boy.
“NSW Ambulance paramedics attended a short time later; however, we were unable to revive the five-year-old.
“A crime scene was established and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death are underway.”
