A 24-year-old woman has been formally charged in connection with the tragic death of a three-week-old baby, just days after the infant's father was accused of murder following an extensive 18-month police investigation.
Police Investigation Leads to Second Arrest
Queensland Police arrested the woman on Wednesday and charged her with one count of cruelty to children under 16 years, specifically under domestic violence provisions. This development comes after detectives received results from comprehensive medical examinations that indicated the child had sustained internal injuries.
Carter Sherriff was rushed to the Queensland Children's Hospital in a critical condition on July 18, 2024, and tragically passed away four days later. The woman is scheduled to face the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Father Previously Charged with Murder
This marks the second arrest in relation to Carter's death. His father, 25-year-old Hank Sherriff, was charged with murder on Monday after police raided a home in Cleveland, located east of Brisbane. Investigators allege the baby was injured at a residence in Greenbank within the Logan region, south of Brisbane, before relatives transported him to the hospital.
Hank Sherriff's case was briefly mentioned in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Monday, where he was remanded in custody. He is set to appear in the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on February 25 for further proceedings.
Social Media Tributes and Ongoing Investigation
In the weeks following his son's death, Hank Sherriff posted a heartfelt tribute on social media, expressing his enduring love. His Instagram bio also includes a dedication to his son, referring to Carter as his "little man" and wishing him to rest in paradise.
Police have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing as they continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding this devastating case. The charges reflect the serious nature of the allegations and the prolonged efforts by law enforcement to seek justice for the infant.
