Gold Coast mother charged with murder of 10-year-old daughter as police describe ‘incredibly confronting’ scene | Gold Coast

The mother of a 10-year-old schoolgirl found dead in a Gold Coast unit on Tuesday night has been charged with her murder.

A police detective in charge of the investigation said the discovery of the girl’s body in a home in the exclusive Emerald Lakes area of ​​the Gold Coast suburb of Carrara was “one of the most distressing scenes I have seen”.

Acting Detective Inspector Kent Ellis said the girl’s father called for help after finding her at home at 6.08pm on Tuesday.

Ellis said the girl’s mother, 46, was arrested on a nearby street more than four hours later after police launched a search of the area.

The woman was charged with murder and appeared in Southport Magistrates Court on Wednesday. Ellis said he could only provide very limited information due to the early nature of the investigation and the charges before the courts.

The victim is believed to be in fourth grade at nearby Emmanuel Middle School. The school’s principal, Dan Brown, sent a letter to families early Wednesday morning confirming that she was indeed a student.

“It is with a heavy heart that I inform you of a tragic incident that occurred at a home in Emerald Lakes last night, resulting in the death of one of our valued students,” Brown said.

“We are devastated by this incident and know it will have a profound impact on our school community.

“Our prayers go out to the child’s family and friends, and we extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy.

“While words cannot ease the shock and pain of such a tragic loss, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all.”

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A crime scene remains in place outside the property and police have set up a specialist operation, codenamed Whiskey Omega, to investigate the girl’s death.

Mr Ellis said the forensic investigation could take some time. He added that police had conducted “an excellent and effective investigation in extremely difficult circumstances”.

“The scene was incredibly shocking. In my 15 years as a detective, it was one of the most shocking scenes I have seen.”

He said he understood the community’s concern over the incident, but said police believed there was “no ongoing threat to the safety of the community”.