Convicted murderer of toddler mysteriously dies in prison

BRISBANE: A mother charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter has passed away in hospital after being found unresponsive in her prison cell.

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Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, was facing charges for the death of her daughter, Sophia Rose, who was discovered with stab wounds at a residence in Moore Park Beach, north of Bundaberg, last Monday.

On Friday, Flanigan was found unconscious in her cell at Brisbane Women’s Correctional Centre while being held on remand. Authorities believe she suffered a medical episode.

Queensland Police responded quickly and transported her to the Princess Alexandra Hospital’s intensive care unit. She died two days later, on Sunday night.

Police are preparing a report for the coroner. Flanigan had not appeared in court when her case was first mentioned on Tuesday, and no bail application was made. She was scheduled to return to court in July.

In Moore Park Beach, locals gathered for a vigil to mourn the loss of Sophia Rose, while the church attended by Flanigan and her daughter held two services. Pastor Adam Ryan expressed grief, saying the congregation had suffered a tragic loss.

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Premier David Crisafulli called for a “full and thorough investigation” into Flanigan’s death, stressing the importance of reviewing the prison system. He said further explanations were needed, and Corrective Services Minister Laura Gerber would report to the cabinet later that day.

Web Desk