The mother of a young boy who was killed in a suspected murder-suicide by his father has broken her silence.
Dr Sophie Roome expected two-year-old Rowan to be returned by her ex James Harrison at around 4pm on Sunday after the ICU doctor dropped him off for an access visit that morning.
He called the police, who visited Harrison’s unit in Lismore at around 5.30pm and left when no one answered the door; However, upon returning four hours later at the insistence of the boy’s grandmother, the officers burst in and found the couple dead.
Dr. Roome issued a statement to her family Wednesday afternoon.
‘Our family is facing incomprehensible pain. Our beloved Rowan was taken from us in the most unfathomable way.
‘Rowan’s life was ended by an evil and cowardly act of violence, perpetrated by a person he should have been able to trust more. There are no possible excuses for this pain and the pain he has caused has no end.’
Lismore doctor Dr Sophie Roome with her son Rowan, who tragically died in a suspected murder-suicide on Sunday night.
‘Rowan was a beautiful, happy and adored child. “He had so many amazing qualities and his short life was filled with rich and happy experiences,” Roome and her family said in the statement.
‘He loved music, the beach, swimming, his friends and his family. She touched the hearts of all who were lucky enough to be in her world.
‘We are devastated. We will love and miss Rowan forever. “We thank all those who have given us support and recognize the suffering of James’ family, which is also immense.”
New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said on Monday that “it was obvious to us that the father had taken his own life and that of the two-year-old child.”
“My understanding is that there was no weapon involved.”
He said Harrison appeared to have created a system within the home “where both he and the child died as a result of the system he set up.”
Police reportedly found a “gas poisoning” device installed inside the rental property.
Dr Roome said Rowan’s life was ended by an “evil and cowardly act of violence”.
The courts extended an AVO against James Harrison (pictured) to protect his ex-partner just a few months ago.
Detectives are investigating the circumstances and a report will be prepared for the coroner.
“You couldn’t find a more tragic event,” Thurtell said.
It has been revealed that Dr. Roome had primary custody of Rowan but that Harrison frequently visited his son.
She and Harrison separated last year shortly after moving to the Northern Rivers region.
Dr Roome went to Lismore Local Court in August 2023 seeking a violence arrest warrant after her ex-partner displayed worrying and controlling behavior following their separation, friends said. The Daily Telegraph.
While there were no violent incidents, the court extended the AVO just two months ago to protect Dr Roome from his worrying behavior and attempts to dictate how he lived his life.
The AVO also prohibited Harrison from assaulting or threatening Dr Roome, stalking her or destroying her property.
Emergency Management Deputy Commissioner Peter Thurtell said no weapon was involved, but Harrison installed a device at the rental property that killed the couple.
It is understood Dr Roome’s family traveled from Tasmania to support the grieving mother.
Dr. Roome had previously worked a shift at the local hospital on Sunday while Harrison cared for his son.
Harrison described himself as an outdoors fanatic, with his social media filled with photos of hiking and camping expeditions.
He worked for several IT companies before joining NSW Health in 2018, according to his LinkedIn profile.
His current employer is listed as Northern New South Wales Local Health District.
There are also online rants about Covid-19, terrorism and equality rights.
In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, New South Wales Police admitted that police had attended the house twice on Sunday.
James Harrison and his two-year-old son were found dead inside the East Lismore unit in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales on Sunday night.
Forensic teams appear at the College Street unit on Monday.
“At approximately 5.30pm on Sunday 19 May 2024, a welfare concern was raised at Lismore Police Station,” a NSW Police spokesperson said.
‘A short time later, police attended an address in College Street, East Lismore, where they attempted to contact the occupant.
‘After they were unable to lift the occupant, police canvassed the area before returning to the police station for further investigations.
“As a result of further information received, police attended the East Lismore property again at 9.30pm where they forced entry.”
Questions have been raised about why police had not searched the interior of the property on their first visit after Dr Roome called them because he was concerned Harrison had run away with his son.
While investigations continue, anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
For confidential 24/7 support, contact:
LIFEGUARD 13 11 14
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