Death of Dean Shillingsworth

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The body of Dean Shillingsworth (2005 – 11 October 2007) ^[1] was discovered by children in a pond in Mandurama Reserve at Ambarvale, New South Wales, Australia on 17 October 2007. The body was inside a tartan suitcase and was badly decomposed. ^[2] Police subsequently arrested his mother Rachel Pfitzner who lived in nearby Rosemeadow. She was charged with Dean's murder. ^[3] Pfitzner allegedly admitted shaking the boy. ^[1] She did not seek bail and was remanded in custody. ^[4]

Contents 1 Background 2 Government involvement 3 Community reaction 4 Funeral 5 Court case 6 References

[edit] Background

According to Pfitzner's estranged father, she had three children, each with a different father. Dean had an older half-sister and a younger half-brother. ^{[3] [1]}

[edit] Government involvement

The New South Wales Department of Community Services (DOCS) had sought a Family court warrant on 11 October to place Dean in the custody of his grandmother. When the order was served on Pfitzner on 18 October she advised police that Dean was already in the custody of DOCS. When it was subsequently realised that this was not correct police questioned Pfitzner further, leading to her arrest. ^[1] Both DOCS and the New South Wales Ombudsman are conducting inquiries into the involvement of DOCS. ^[5][6]

[edit] Community reaction

Many local residents gathered in Mandurama Reserve in the days following the discovery. An impromptu shrine of flowers and toys developed near the waters edge.

When police escorted Pfitzner to the scene on 20 October the crowd jeered and surged towards the car. ^[1]

A community ceremony for Dean held on 26 October at Mandurama Reserve and attended by 2000 people included prayers, balloons and floating candles. ^{[7] [8]} As an Aboriginal Australian, Dean was accorded a smoking ceremony.

[edit] Funeral

Dean Shillingsworth's funeral was conducted in Brewarrina his hometown. It was attended by over 300 family, friends and community members. It was held on Thursday, 1 November. ^[9]

[edit] Court case

Rachel Pfitzner appeared in court on 12 December 2007 via videolink from Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned without bail until 6 February 2008. ^[10][11]

[edit] References

1. ^ ^{a b c d e} "The boy for whom help came too late", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-10-22. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
2. ^ "Fear as body found", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-10-18. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
3. ^ ^{a b} "Body in suitcase: police charge toddler's mother", The Sun-Herald, 2007-10-21. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
4. ^ "Mum refused bail over boy's death", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-10-21. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
5. ^ "Minister ducks queries on dead boy", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-10-22. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
6. ^ "Where the good times roll children are dying", New Zealand Herald, 21 November 2007. Retrieved on 2007-12-15. 
7. ^ "Candles and balloons for 'Lake Angel'", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-10-23. Retrieved on 2007-10-23. 
8. ^ "Mourners pay respects to Shillingsworth'", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-10-26. Retrieved on 2007-10-26. 
9. ^ "Hundreds attend Shillingsworth funeral", The Australian, 2007-11-01. Retrieved on 2007-12-13. 
10. ^ "Compassion plea as mother of boy in suitcase faces court", The Sydney Morning Herald, 2007-12-13. Retrieved on 2007-12-13. 
11. ^ "Murder-accused mum 'deserves compassion'", The West Australian, 12 December 2007. Retrieved on 2007-12-15.