The traumatized neighbor of a teenage couple whose son died from unexplained injuries recalled hearing screams from the boy’s mother before an ambulance was called.
Emergency services were called to a public housing unit on Electra St in Bundaberg West, central Queensland, about 5.18pm on February 26.
Four-month-old baby Lucas was rushed from the home to Bundaberg Hospital, where staff reportedly contacted the local Child Protection Unit.
Lucas was airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital in the early hours of February 27 and tragically died from his injuries on Sunday, March 3.
A mother who lives next door to the family unit described hearing Lucas’ mother, Dakota Worrall, 17, and father, Alex List, 19, scream in anguish on February 26.
Four-month-old baby Lucas (pictured) died on March 3 after being rushed from his home in Bundaberg West to hospital on February 26.
“I heard the mother close the door and say, ‘My baby is dying, he won’t open his eyes, I don’t know what to do,'” she told the newspaper. mail.
“The father said, ‘calm down, I’ll call the ambulance.'” Then everything went silent.
The ambulance arrived a short time later and the neighbor watched as paramedics entered the unit.
The neighbor said the teenage parents were unemployed but were “really friendly” and sociable.
Although he had heard the couple arguing, he had never heard them hurt baby Lucas.
She said the whole situation has left her so nervous that she will “get help.”
“I can’t get it out of my head, I need someone to talk to,” he said.
List was seen outside the unit with two plainclothes police officers on Tuesday while holding a baby seat with a doll inside.
At a press conference on Tuesday morning, Detective Inspector Wade Lee told reporters that Lucas had suffered multiple injuries that were “unexplained.”
“As a result of the injuries sustained by that four-month-old child, he died on Sunday,” Inspector Lee said.
He noted that there were no other signs of abuse or neglect on Lucas, but an autopsy has not yet been performed.
The parents were not previously known to Child Protection authorities and they have no other children in their care.
“As you can imagine, this is a very distressing incident for the couple, so we are dealing with them and progressing the investigation as best we can,” Inspector Lee said.
Queensland Police requested public assistance in tracing the family’s movements on February 26 as they visited various locations in the city.
Police also want to hear details about how Lucas was cared for and who cared for him.
Lucas’s mother Dakota Worrall, 17, and father Alex List, 19 (pictured with Lucas) were heard “screaming” before an ambulance was called to their unit.
“We want to hear from anyone in the community about the movement and activities around the couple and the deceased child,” Inspector Lee said.
“This is a particularly delicate and sad incident due to the vulnerable nature of the child.”
No charges have been filed in connection with Lucas’ death.
Anyone with relevant information is asked to contact Queensland Police.
