Boy, 5, dies in Australian ‘house of horrors’ where children were allegedly duct-taped into sleeping bags with tape over their eyes
A five-year-old boy was found unresponsive at his family home in Grafton, in New South Wales’ Northern Rivers region, on Monday morning and later died. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death, after officers allegedly found that he and his siblings had been taped into sleeping bags at night, with tape placed over their eyes.
The boy’s father and stepmother, who were at home, have been interviewed; police say any decision on charges will follow a post-mortem examination. Homicide and child abuse detectives are assisting local officers, and the state’s child protection department is also investigating. The boy’s siblings have reportedly moved to live with other relatives, and police sources said officers had raised concerns about the home with the department in 2025.
- A five-year-old boy died at his Grafton home.
- Police are investigating alleged restraint of the children.
- His siblings have reportedly moved to relatives.
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Grafton is a town in northern New South Wales, an Australian state. In Australia, state police investigate suspected crimes, while child protection authorities assess concerns about children’s safety and care.
The case involves a five-year-old boy and his siblings, who lived with their father and stepmother. Police and child protection officials are examining the family’s circumstances; a post-mortem can help establish how the boy died.
The siblings are now reported to be living with relatives. The investigation may also examine whether earlier concerns about the home were raised and how they were handled.