Prosecutors have dropped a murder charge against a father after his toddler son died from a snake bite.
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that Kerrod James Frahm, from Murgon in Queensland’s South Burnett region, has been cleared of the charge, nearly three years after the tragic death of 11-year-old Tristian.
Police had alleged that Frahm, 33, was negligent in the death of her son by failing to seek medical help after Tristian claimed to have been bitten by a snake while the two were staying at a friend’s property on November 20, 2021.
Witnesses told police the father could not find any bite marks and dismissed the complaint. One witness added that Tristian “seemed perfectly fine.”
Tristian fell ill during the night and was tragically found lifeless outside near the shed by his father the following morning.
A year later, after a 12-month investigation, police charged Frahm with manslaughter.
Although the judge ordered Frahm to stand trial at a preliminary hearing last November, a Justice Department spokeswoman revealed that the case will no longer proceed.
“There was no charge in the Frahm case before the Brisbane Supreme Court,” he told the Courier mail.
The manslaughter charge has been dropped against Kerrod James Frahm, who police had accused of negligence in the death of his son Tristian (both pictured).
‘The Director of Public Prosecutions notified the Supreme Court Secretariat of his intention to discontinue the case.’
The spokeswoman added that the matter was declared “incorrect invoice” by the registrar in April.
This type of statement generally means that no evidence has been presented to support the matter going forward.
Tristian’s death devastated his family and he was remembered as a “little hero” and an “angel” following his tragic death.
Police said Frahm had failed to seek medical help after his 11-year-old son Tristian (pictured) claimed he had been bitten by a snake, leading to his death the following morning.
A heartbroken family member shared photos and videos of Tristian making the most of life by ice skating and playing games as he paid a heartbreaking tribute.
“I have no words to express what I feel and the pain I feel is unimaginable. I still can’t believe it,” the family member posted at the time.
‘I love you more than I ever thought possible, I miss you more and more every minute, there will be a hole the size of you in my heart forever.’