Mother Faces Child Cruelty Charge Following Infant Son's Tragic Death
The mother of a three-week-old baby, who is believed to have died from critical internal injuries, has been formally charged by authorities. This development comes just days after the infant's father was accused of murder in a deeply distressing case that has shocked the community.
A Heartbreaking Timeline of Events
Carter Colt Sherriff tragically passed away at Queensland's Children's Hospital on July 22, 2024. The newborn had been admitted to the medical facility four days earlier, arriving in a critical condition that ultimately proved fatal.
Police investigators allege that the baby sustained severe internal injuries at a residential address on Rosemary Street in Greenbank. This location is situated approximately 30 kilometres south of Brisbane, within the Logan region.
Parental Charges and Legal Proceedings
Carter's father, 25-year-old Hank Sherriff, was arrested on Monday and subsequently charged with murder. Merely two days later, the infant's mother, 24-year-old Anastacia Cameron, faced legal action herself, receiving one count of cruelty to a child under 16 years of age.
These serious charges follow an extensive 18-month investigation that began when the newborn was initially hospitalised with unexplained injuries. Detectives from both the Logan Child Protection and Investigation Unit and the Child Trauma Unit described their inquiry as particularly complex and extensive.
Medical Evidence Central to Investigation
Detective Acting Inspector Glen Antonie emphasised that medical examinations played a crucial role in determining the cause of death and forming the basis for the murder charge. We rely heavily on those medical expertise examinations for us to make that determination in relation to the causation, Antonie stated, explaining the prolonged investigative timeline.
The detective further elaborated, I can tell you that the medical examination report that we have received, that we've based our action off today, is extensive, and it clearly articulates the reason why we progressed forward for murder.
Parental Tributes and Ongoing Grief
Prior to these charges, both parents publicly expressed their profound grief following their son's untimely death. They shared photographs of matching forearm tattoos commemorating their lost child, accompanied by the poignant caption Forever in our hearts little man.
In August 2024, Cameron posted a heartfelt message online: One month since you passed away and I miss you every day my little man. Forever going to miss you. Shortly afterwards, Sherriff shared his own emotional tribute: Today you were cremated. I have no words, I love you son forever and always I told you to hit the sun and reach the stars and I know you did. I'll love you forever my little man no matter what, death shall not make us part I'll see you soon.
Upcoming Court Appearances and Continued Investigation
Sherriff is scheduled to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 25, while Cameron will front Beenleigh Magistrates Court on March 4. Queensland Police have confirmed that their investigations into this tragic case remain ongoing as they continue to gather evidence and examine all circumstances surrounding the infant's death.
