Australian Mother Accused of Killing Daughter Dies in Custody

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, the 32-year-old Australian woman accused of fatally stabbing her 3-year-old daughter, has died while in custody, authorities confirmed.

Flanigan was found unresponsive in her cell at the Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre on Friday, May 30.

Queensland Police told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) that officers provided immediate medical assistance before she was transferred to a local hospital’s intensive care unit. She died on the evening of Sunday, June 1.

Queensland Corrective Services (QCS) confirmed an official investigation into Flanigan’s death is underway. As is standard protocol for all deaths in custody, QCS will assist authorities in preparing a report for the coroner.

The agency also noted that support services are being offered to staff involved in the emergency response.

Flanigan had been charged with the murder of her eldest child, Sophia Rose, who was found with fatal stab wounds in the front yard of the family’s home in Moore Park Beach, Central Queensland, on Monday, May 26.

According to Queensland Police Chief Inspector Grant Marcus, emergency services responded to multiple calls from concerned neighbors. Despite resuscitation efforts, the child was pronounced dead at the scene shortly before 5 p.m.

Flanigan was taken into custody at the time, and police recovered a knife they allege was used in the attack.

Two younger children, ages 1 and 2, were present in the home during the incident but were unharmed. They are now in the care of extended family, according to Superintendent Brad Inskip.

“There’s no doubt it was a horrific scene,” Inskip told 7 News. “It’s a terrible incident for everyone involved, including neighbors, emergency responders, and investigators.”

In the days preceding the fatal incident, Flanigan allegedly posted troubling content on social media, including references to pain, trauma, and violence.

Her posts included a video of a bruised woman, captions describing herself as a “warrior of light,” and quotes from the heavy metal band Disturbed. One such lyric read: “Another nightmare about to come true. Will manifest tomorrow. Another love that I’ve taken from you.”

Flanigan also referred to her children as her “divine babies” and alluded to training “like it’s war,” raising further concern about her mental state prior to the tragedy.

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Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the alleged homicide and Flanigan’s subsequent death in custody.