Case 23‑0812

Form 20B

Version 2 Coroners Act 2003 (sections 45, 51 and 97(2))

Coroner’s findings – suspected death and notice of completion of coronial investigation

I have investigated the death of:

Name: Jane Doe

Address: Unknown

DOB: Unknown

Age: Approx 7

Gender: Male Female X

I am unable to find that the person is dead for the following reasons:

OR

I find that the person is dead and I further find: X

The deceased is an unidentified female child, believed to be approximately seven years of age, referred to for the purposes of this investigation as Jane Doe. This name has been assigned solely to allow the Court to speak of her with dignity and clarity.

Despite extensive enquiries conducted by the Queensland Police Service, Child Safety officers, interstate missing persons units, and national databases, no information capable of establishing her identity has been located. At the time of this finding, she remains unnamed and unclaimed.

This is how the person died (provide narrative of circumstances of death):

On 14 August 2023, at approximately 10:42 hours, police attended a drainage reserve adjacent to Old Beaudesert Road after a grounds maintenance worker reported seeing what he believed to be discarded clothing partially concealed beneath vegetation. Upon approaching the area, he realised the items were associated with human remains and immediately contacted emergency services.

The deceased was located in a shallow depression within the reserve, partially obscured by overgrown grass, leaf litter, and discarded household materials. She was clothed in garments appropriate for a child of her estimated age. No footwear was present. No identifying documentation, jewellery, school items, or personal effects were found at or near the scene. Nothing was recovered that could assist in determining who she was, where she lived, or who may have cared for her in life.

A small plastic bead bracelet, sized for a child, was located beneath vegetation approximately 30 centimetres from the body. The item bore no identifying marks and could not be conclusively linked to the deceased, though its proximity suggests it may have belonged to her.

The positioning of the body, the presence of covering materials, and the absence of any attempt to seek medical assistance indicate that the child did not die at the location where she was discovered. The concealment appears deliberate and suggests the involvement of another person after death.

A forensic examination of the scene revealed no signs of a struggle, no blood staining, and no disturbance consistent with the infliction of injuries at that location. Environmental evidence indicates the body was placed there within a short time frame prior to discovery.

The deceased displayed injuries inconsistent with accidental trauma. The pattern, distribution, and nature of those injuries indicate that force was applied on more than one occasion and by another person. The injuries are not consistent with a fall, misadventure, or environmental hazard. There is no evidence to suggest animal involvement or post mortem interference beyond natural decomposition processes.

Despite extensive investigative efforts — including door to door enquiries, CCTV review, public appeals, and cross checking with all known reports of missing children — no witness has come forward with information capable of identifying the child or the circumstances leading to her death. The absence of such information has been deeply felt by all involved in the investigation.

This is when the person died:

Based on post mortem findings, environmental conditions, and forensic pathology assessment, I determine that the deceased died on or about 12 August 2023.

This is where the person died (where possible this must include whether the person died in Queensland):

The exact location of death cannot be determined.

However, based on available evidence, I find that the deceased died within Queensland, prior to being transported to the drainage reserve where her body was later discovered.

This is what caused the person to die (this will usually be the medical cause of death):

The medical cause of death is multiple traumatic injuries.

Those injuries were sustained as a result of assault by another person.

An inquest was not held in relation to this death.

I authorise the investigating officer to dispose of any property obtained in connection with this investigation according to law.

OR

I make the following directions in relation to the disposal of property obtained in connection with this investigation: X

No property capable of lawful return was identified. Any items recovered, including the bead bracelet, are to be disposed of according to law.

Name: Jackeline Sanders

State Coroner Deputy State Coroner Coroner X

Signature: JE Sanders

Date: 3 October 2023

Place: Queensland Police Headquarters