More than eighteen months after a horrifying random assault left her infant son with life-altering injuries, the mother of baby Luka has shared a heartening personal announcement. She is expecting another child, a baby girl due in February 2026, marking a poignant moment of hope amidst an ongoing international pursuit for justice.
A Family's Resilience After a Traumatic Attack
The incident occurred on August 27, 2024, at Hanlon Park in Brisbane. Luka, then just nine months old, was with his mother and a friend when a man approached and deliberately poured scalding hot coffee over the helpless baby. The assailant, believed to be a 33-year-old Chinese national, fled the scene immediately, sparking a complex cross-border investigation that remains active.
Luka sustained severe burns to his chest, neck, and face, requiring immediate hospitalisation. His recovery has been arduous, involving eight major surgeries performed under general anaesthetic. Throughout this challenging period, his mother has documented his progress, balancing the pain of the attack with the daily realities of his healing.
A Joyful Announcement Amidst Heartbreak
In a recent social media post, the mother revealed her pregnancy, sharing a photograph of her two children smiling while holding a sign announcing the impending arrival of a baby sister. 'Luka is getting promoted to big brother and I have no doubt he will be the best big brother alongside his sister who finally got her wish of a little sister,' she wrote.
She expressed a mix of emotions, stating the family is 'nervous, excited and incredibly grateful' for the new chapter ahead. The announcement was met with an outpouring of support from followers who have consistently rallied behind the family during their ordeal.
The Ongoing International Investigation
Despite this personal joy, the quest for justice continues. Police believe the prime suspect boarded a flight to China mere hours before authorities could identify him. The lack of an extradition treaty between Australia and China has complicated the case, but diplomatic efforts are intensifying.
In a significant development, Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, confirmed this week that a joint 'working group' would be established. Chinese investigators are preparing to travel to Brisbane to collaborate with Australian authorities. 'To talk with Australian colleagues, to see exactly what happened, how it happened, and see how both sides can work together,' Ambassador Qian stated, emphasising a serious commitment to addressing the issue.
Family's Focus on Justice and Healing
Luka's parents have welcomed this move, expressing they are 'extremely grateful that the case remains ongoing.' However, the mother has also voiced profound frustration in the past over the suspect remaining at large. 'The fact that someone can deliberately hurt a child and face no consequences is beyond unacceptable,' she wrote last year, appealing directly to those in power.
In a recent statement, she clarified her current priorities: 'While our priority is always justice for Luka, at this time I am simply trying to focus on getting through this stage of my pregnancy safely and calmly. We trust that everyone is doing everything in their power to ensure justice.'
The family has also consistently paid tribute to the support system around them, thanking medical staff, investigators, and the wider community for their compassion.
Legal and Diplomatic Pathways
In a joint statement, Queensland Police and the Australian Federal Police affirmed they are supporting the upcoming Chinese delegation. The statement noted that China possesses extraterritorial jurisdiction to prosecute its citizens for offences committed abroad, which remains a potential legal avenue.
'The AFP values the ongoing cooperation from Chinese authorities and their shared commitment to pursue all avenues for justice in light of the alleged offender's location,' the statement read. Both police forces confirmed they continue to explore all available options to progress the matter, maintaining close partnership in the pursuit of accountability for the attack on baby Luka.
