Tears for ‘bub’ as police probe mystery newborn death in Wagga

Police arrested a 32-year-old man, believed to be a close relative, on the front lawn of a Henwood Avenue property shortly after 5am.

Neighbours claim he was “screaming and crying uncontrollably” as he was taken into custody.

The man was questioned by homicide detectives before he was released.

Police were called to the scene to conduct a welfare check when they found the two-month-old in a “critical condition”.

Paramedics treated the newborn for cardiac arrest at the scene before he was rushed to Wagga Rural Referral Hospital.

The boy was pronounced dead a short time later.

Forensic investigators are continuing to search the family home for clues to determine how the baby died. 

A dedicated police operation – Strike Force Banco – has also been established by the Wagga Local Area Command to investigate the incident. 

Simone Gowland said she and her daughters were awoken by hysterical crying and police sirens in the early hours of the morning. 

“He just kept saying ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry,” she said.

“He didn’t put up any fight – he just sobbed as police loaded him into the wagon.

“Even as they drove off, he just kept screaming ‘I’m so, so sorry.”

The Henwood Avenue resident said the family members living in the house were a “quiet, but very friendly bunch”. 

“The dad was always very good with his kids and he’d always be outside playing with his twin, school-aged girls,” Ms Gowland said.

“Their little dog used to come over all the time and they were so friendly.” 

The boy’s mother is in deep shock and is assisting police with their enquiries. 

Detectives are hoping the results of an autopsy in the coming days will determine how the baby died. 

Superintendent Commander Bob Noble said police are yet to determine if the death was accidental or foul play. 

“There are circumstances of suspicion but we will keep an open mind and enquiries will continue,” he said.

“We have a lot of people to speak to but that doesn’t mean anybody is a suspect.

“I saw the (32-year-old) man downstairs and he’s not in the best place, as you can imagine.

“The family are very distressed and the case is very sensitive so we are hesitant to reveal further details at this time,” he said.

The Daily Advertiser understands the newborn, his mother and the 32-year-old man were the only occupants of the home at the time of the incident. 

Quinton Clarke, who lives further down the street, said he was driving home from a late-hour shift at work when he drove past the property. 

“Nobody could see something like this coming,” he said. 

“I’d seen those who lived there a few times and they seemed like everyday people.

“I only hope their family are doing okay after having to hear about something so traumatic.”

Anyone with information should contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 666 or Wagga police on 6922 2659.