One of Australia's most notorious child killers is living freely in the community under a new identity, despite being convicted of murdering three infants and attempting to kill two others. Helen Patricia Moore, known as the 'Babysitter Killer', was a teenager when she carried out her horrific crimes in the Sydney suburb of Claymore.
A Chilling Spree Hidden as Cot Death
Moore's killing spree began in 1979, shortly after the death of her own 14-month-old brother, Andrew, from what was initially thought to be Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Relatives believed the teenager was consumed by grief, as she had been caring for the toddler at the time. In a tragic twist, her family saw her subsequent offers to babysit as a way for her to seek comfort.
In reality, she was hunting her next victims. Over a two-year period, a string of infant deaths and near-fatal attacks were wrongly attributed to SIDS, with no police investigation launched. Moore's crimes only came to light after her final, brutal attack on a seven-year-old relative in March 1980.
She coolly confessed to all the killings and attempted murders during police questioning. In 1980, she was sentenced to three life sentences plus an additional ten years for the attempted murders.
Released and Reintegrated, With a Warning
Despite the enormity of her crimes, Moore served just 13 years before being granted parole. A strict condition of her release was that she never have contact with children again. However, the Daily Mail can now reveal that Moore, now 63 and using the name Helen Anderson, lives in Lake Haven on the NSW Central Coast.
Her brother, Craig Moorely, is speaking out for the first time to warn the public. He alleges the prohibition order has not stopped her from being around children. "She is still babysitting," he claimed. "People don't know what she did and they deserve to because she is evil."
One former neighbour, who was close friends with 'Helen Anderson' for years, was stunned when police visited her. Authorities revealed Moore's true identity after discovering she had been babysitting the neighbour's grandchild and having children for sleepovers. The neighbour described being physically sick after reading the charge sheets.
Ongoing Fears and Police Action
Craig Moorely has closely monitored his sister, reporting her to authorities out of fear she may reoffend. He was shocked to discover she was not initially on the Child Protection Register and had to fight to have her listed. He now wants her charged with historic child abuse allegations and for the murder of his brother Andrew, evidence for which he claims he was barred from giving at her original trial.
When confronted by the Daily Mail, Moore insisted she was the victim, alleging her brothers 'ganged up' on her. She claimed her supervision is complete and her activities 'shouldn't concern anyone'.
New South Wales Police have confirmed they have commenced inquiries after receiving a report of historic child abuse allegations. The community of Lake Haven remains largely unaware that one of Australia's most prolific child killers lives among them.
