A 25-year-old man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the tragic death of his three-week-old son, which occurred more than 18 months ago in Queensland. The newborn baby boy was rushed to the Queensland Children's Hospital in Brisbane on July 18, 2024, in a critical condition, despite having no obvious external injuries at the time.
Heartbreaking Hospital Stay and Investigation
Tragically, the infant passed away in hospital just four days later, on July 22, 2024. Following this devastating loss, the Logan Child Protection Investigation Unit and Child Trauma Unit launched a detailed investigation under Operation Whiskey Nell. Detectives conducted an extensive and protracted inquiry, which recently culminated in the receipt of comprehensive medical examination results.
Queensland Police stated on Monday that these medical findings indicated the child had sustained significant internal injuries. Police allege that these injuries were inflicted at a residential address on Rosemary Street in Greenbank, approximately 44 kilometres southwest of Brisbane's central business district.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Officers arrested Hank Sherriff, 25, on Monday morning, charging him with murder. Sherriff, identified as the baby's father, had previously shared a poignant online tribute to his son, Carter Colt Sherriff, on August 27, 2024. In his emotional post, he wrote, 'Today you were cremated. I have no words, I love you son forever and always I told you to hit the sun and reach the stars and I know you did. I'll love you forever my little man no matter what, death shall not make us part I'll see you soon.'
Sherriff's case was scheduled for mention at Brisbane Magistrates Court later on Monday, but he did not attend the hearing. Consequently, the matter was adjourned and is now set to proceed at Beenleigh Magistrates Court on February 26.
Reliance on Medical Evidence
Logan District Detective Acting Inspector Glen Antonie addressed the media on Monday, explaining that investigators had to rely heavily on medical examinations due to the absence of obvious external injuries. He emphasised the thoroughness of the medical report, stating, 'I can tell you that the medical examination report that we have received - that we've based our action off today - is extensive, and it clearly articulates the reason why we progressed forward for murder.'
Inspector Antonie also praised the dedication of the investigators involved in the case, noting, '...I take my hat off to the investigators and the nature of the job that they do every day. You've got to be a special type of person, in my mind, to pick this line of work, and in fact, work in such a portfolio as child protection.'
Authorities have confirmed that investigations into this heartbreaking case are ongoing, as they continue to gather evidence and build the prosecution's case against the accused.
