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A shocking case has emerged involving a Queensland social media influencer accused of poisoning her one-year-old daughter to increase her online presence and solicit donations from well-meaning followers.
The 34-year-old woman has been charged with multiple crimes, including torture, fraud, administering poison with intent to harm, and making child exploitation material.
This alarming story raises serious questions about the lengths some individuals will go to in the pursuit of online fame and financial gain.
What happened?
Between August and October last year, Queensland Police allege that the influencer administered unauthorised medications to her one-year-old child, without any medical approval. These medicines were reportedly leftover prescriptions intended for someone else in the household.
The woman is accused of filming her baby while in “immense distress and pain” and posting these videos on her social media accounts to attract followers and encourage financial donations.
Detective Inspector Paul Dalton from the Queensland Police told Australian media, “We believe the person administered these drugs to increase her social media profile and therefore obtain a financial benefit.”
Authorities assert that the woman used these videos of her child in distress to manipulate the public, raising approximately $60,000 through a GoFundMe campaign. The funds were purportedly raised under the guise of chronicling her child’s supposed battle with a terminal illness.
“[There are] no words for how repulsive offences of this nature are,” Dalton said, condemning the woman’s actions. He highlighted the severe nature of the crimes, highlighting the exploitation of both the child and unsuspecting donors.
How did the investigation happen?
The investigation began when doctors at a hospital in Brisbane’s south raised alarms after the child was admitted in October with a serious medical episode.
While the baby’s initial condition appeared genuine, medical professionals grew concerned when signs of distress seemed to be out of proportion to her condition. These suspicions led hospital staff to report their concerns to the police.
Investigators found that the woman had taken careful steps to conceal her actions, including obtaining prescription and over-the-counter medications without proper consent. She reportedly used leftover medications from another person in the household.
The woman allegedly went to great lengths to hide her actions, even though the child’s condition was not consistent with her public portrayal of a “terminally ill” infant.
“This is a very distressing case, particularly for the medical staff who had to deal with the aftermath of this situation. It’s vital to note that the hospital did nothing wrong,” Dalton said.
Did she get donations for this?
As part of her alleged plan, the woman used the GoFundMe platform to raise money from unsuspecting donors, claiming her baby was suffering from a life-threatening illness. The GoFundMe campaign brought in a substantial amount, over $60,000, which investigators believe was fraudulently obtained.
GoFundMe has since confirmed that it is working closely with law enforcement to ensure that the money raised is refunded to donors. A spokesperson for the platform stated, “Proactive refunds are being issued to all donors as part of our ongoing commitment to protecting Australian generosity.”
Dalton reiterated that the platform had been responsive and cooperative throughout the investigation, ensuring that the donors were reimbursed.
He added that the police had been dealing with GoFundMe were making attempts to repay that money to the people who donated.
How will this ‘influencer’ be charged?
The influencer has been formally charged with five counts of administering poison with intent to harm, three counts of preparation to commit crimes with dangerous things, and one count each of torture, making child exploitation material, and fraud.
Police have been very clear in their condemnation of the woman’s actions, underscoring that there is no excuse for such behavior.
The woman is expected to appear before Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 17, 2025. Public reaction to the case has been one of horror and disbelief, with many expressing anger at the manipulation of both a vulnerable child and kind-hearted donors.
“There is no excuse for harming a child, especially not a one-year-old infant who is reliant on others for care and survival,” Detective Inspector Dalton said.
The child, who is now reported to be in good health, was taken into protective care following the investigation. Authorities have reassured the public that she is “safe and well,” and that steps are being taken to ensure her future well-being.
This disturbing case serves as a troubling reminder of the potential dangers that social media platforms can pose. The pursuit of fame and fortune has led some individuals to exploit even the most innocent and vulnerable members of society.
“We will do everything in our power to remove that child from harm’s way and hold any offender to account,” Dalton stated, as police continue to investigate the full extent of the woman’s actions.
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With inputs from agencies