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{{Short description|2007 child murder in New South Wales, Australia}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2016}}
{{Use Australian English|date=May 2016}}


The body of '''Dean Shillingsworth''' (25 February 2005 – 11 October 2007) <ref name="Too Late">{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/help-came-too-late/2007/10/21/1192940905016.html|title=The boy for whom help came too late|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2007-10-22|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref> was discovered by children in a pond in Mandurama Reserve at [[Ambarvale, New South Wales]], [[Australia]] on 17 October 2007. The child's body was wrapped in two plastic bags contained within a tartan suitcase. Due to the length of time the child was in the water, the body was decomposed. The local police set up a crime scene which was investigated by NSW Police Forensic Services Group.
The body of '''Dean Shillingsworth''' (25 February 2005 – 11 October 2007)<ref name="Too Late">{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/help-came-too-late/2007/10/21/1192940905016.html|title=The boy for whom help came too late|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2007-10-22|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref> was discovered by children in a pond in Mandurama Reserve at [[Ambarvale, New South Wales]], [[Australia]] on 17 October 2007. The child's body was wrapped in two plastic bags contained within a tartan suitcase. Due to the length of time the child was in the water, the body was decomposed. The local police set up a crime scene which was investigated by NSW Police Forensic Services Group.
<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/boys-body-in-suitcase/2007/10/18/1192300857633.html|title=Fear as body found|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2007-10-18|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref> The forensic evidence and investigation led to the boy's mother. Police subsequently arrested his mother, Rachel Pfitzner, who lived in nearby [[Rosemeadow]]. She was charged with Dean's murder.<ref name="Too Late" /><ref name="Charged">{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/body-in-suitcase-police-charge-mother-and-lover/2007/10/20/1192301100084.html|title=Body in suitcase: police charge toddler's mother|publisher=[[The Sun-Herald]]|date=2007-10-21|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref> She did not seek bail and was remanded in custody.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/mum-refused-bail-over-boys-death/2007/10/21/1192301122867.html|title=Mum refused bail over boy's death|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2007-10-21|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref>
<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/boys-body-in-suitcase/2007/10/18/1192300857633.html|title=Fear as body found|publisher=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|date=2007-10-18|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref> The forensic evidence and investigation led to the boy's mother. Police subsequently arrested his mother, Rachel Pfitzner, who lived in nearby [[Rosemeadow]]. She was charged with Dean's murder.<ref name="Too Late" /><ref name="Charged">{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/body-in-suitcase-police-charge-mother-and-lover/2007/10/20/1192301100084.html|title=Body in suitcase: police charge toddler's mother|publisher=[[The Sun-Herald]]|date=2007-10-21|access-date = 2007-10-22}}</ref> She pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to a maximum of 25½ years in prison.<ref name="SMH09"/>


==Background==
==Background==
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| conviction_status = Imprisoned
| conviction_status = Imprisoned
| occupation = Unemployed
| occupation = Unemployed
| spouse = Paul James Shillingsworth<br/>Clifford Connors
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* Paul James Shillingsworth
* Clifford Connors
}}
| parents = Beverley (mother)
| children = T (2000)<br/>Dean Shillingsworth (2005)<br/>B (2007)<br/>
| children = T (2000)<br/>Dean Shillingsworth (2005)<br/>B (2007)<br/>
Children's names suppressed by court
Children's names suppressed by court
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Pfitzner appeared in court on 28 October 2008. The court was told she had [[Shaken baby syndrome|shaken]] her son and thrown him to the ground. Believing him to be dead, she allegedly wrapped him in plastic and placed him in a suitcase. A forensic psychologist testified that the boy may not have been dead at that time. Pfitzner was committed to stand trial and did not enter a plea.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/toddlers-mother-gives-her-side-of-the-story/2008/10/28/1224956004839.html|title=Body in suitcase: mum to stand trial|last=Alexander|first=Harriet|date=2008-10-28|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=2008-10-28}}</ref>
Pfitzner appeared in court on 28 October 2008. The court was told she had [[Shaken baby syndrome|shaken]] her son and thrown him to the ground. Believing him to be dead, she allegedly wrapped him in plastic and placed him in a suitcase. A forensic psychologist testified that the boy may not have been dead at that time. Pfitzner was committed to stand trial and did not enter a plea.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/toddlers-mother-gives-her-side-of-the-story/2008/10/28/1224956004839.html|title=Body in suitcase: mum to stand trial|last=Alexander|first=Harriet|date=2008-10-28|work=[[The Sydney Morning Herald]]|access-date=2008-10-28}}</ref>


In June 2009, Pfitzner pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/body-in-suitcase-mothers-manslaughter-plea-20090605-bxub.html|title=Body in suitcase: mother's manslaughter plea|last=Alexander|first=Harriet|date=2009-06-05|work=smh.com.au|access-date=2009-06-05}}</ref> In August 2009 she changed her plea to guilty of murder.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/mother-pleads-guilty-to-murder-of-son-2-20090818-eo5t.html|title=Mother pleads guilty to murder of son, 2|last=Brown|first=Malcolm|date=2009-08-18|work=smh.com.au|access-date=2009-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/mother-killed-son-on-day-custody-awarded-to-gran-court-hears-20091008-gobw.html|title=Mother killed son on day custody awarded to gran: court hears|last=Kontominas|first=Bellinda|date=2009-10-08|work=smh.com.au|access-date=2009-10-08}}</ref> On 9 December 2009 Pfitzner was sentenced to a maximum of 25½ years in jail.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/docs-failed-dean-report-20091210-kkrx.html|title=DOCS failed Dean: report|last=Arlington|first=Kim|date=10 December 2009|work=smh.com.au|access-date=10 December 2009}}</ref> In July 2010 she appealed against the severity of the sentence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/dean-shillingsworths-mum-fights-sentence/story-e6freuzi-1225892384711|title=Dean Shillingsworth's mum fights sentence|date=16 July 2010|work=dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=16 July 2010}}</ref>
In June 2009, Pfitzner pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/body-in-suitcase-mothers-manslaughter-plea-20090605-bxub.html|title=Body in suitcase: mother's manslaughter plea|last=Alexander|first=Harriet|date=2009-06-05|work=smh.com.au|access-date=2009-06-05}}</ref> In August 2009 she changed her plea to guilty of murder.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/mother-pleads-guilty-to-murder-of-son-2-20090818-eo5t.html|title=Mother pleads guilty to murder of son, 2|last=Brown|first=Malcolm|date=2009-08-18|work=smh.com.au|access-date=2009-08-18}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/mother-killed-son-on-day-custody-awarded-to-gran-court-hears-20091008-gobw.html|title=Mother killed son on day custody awarded to gran: court hears|last=Kontominas|first=Bellinda|date=2009-10-08|work=smh.com.au|access-date=2009-10-08}}</ref> On 9 December 2009 Pfitzner was sentenced to a maximum of 25½ years in jail.<ref name="SMH09">{{Cite news|url=http://www.smh.com.au/national/docs-failed-dean-report-20091210-kkrx.html|title=DOCS failed Dean: report|last=Arlington|first=Kim|date=10 December 2009|work=smh.com.au|access-date=10 December 2009}}</ref> In July 2010 she appealed against the severity of the sentence.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw-act/dean-shillingsworths-mum-fights-sentence/story-e6freuzi-1225892384711|title=Dean Shillingsworth's mum fights sentence|date=16 July 2010|work=dailytelegraph.com.au|access-date=16 July 2010}}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Shillingsworth, Murder of Dean}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Shillingsworth, Murder of Dean}}
⚫
[[Category:2005 births]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:2007 deaths]]
[[Category:2007 in Australia|Death of Dean Shillingsworth]]
[[Category:2007 murders in Australia]]
⚫
[[Category:Deaths by person in Australia]]
⚫
[[Category:2007 murders in Oceania]]
[[Category:Murder in Sydney]]
[[Category:Murdered Australian children]]
[[Category:2000s in Sydney]]
[[Category:2000s in Sydney]]
⚫
[[Category:Deaths by person in Australia]]
[[Category:Filicides in Australia]]
[[Category:Filicides in Australia]]
[[Category:2007 crimes in Australia]]
[[Category:Murder in Sydney]]
[[Category:2000s murders in Australia]]
[[Category:Child murder in Australia]]
[[Category:Child abuse resulting in death]]
⚫
[[Category:October 2007 events in Australia]]
⚫
[[Category:October 2007 crimes]]

Latest revision as of 16:27, 21 August 2024

The body of Dean Shillingsworth (25 February 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 child's body was wrapped in two plastic bags contained within a tartan suitcase. Due to the length of time the child was in the water, the body was decomposed. The local police set up a crime scene which was investigated by NSW Police Forensic Services Group. [2] The forensic evidence and investigation led to the boy's mother. Police subsequently arrested his mother, Rachel Pfitzner, who lived in nearby Rosemeadow. She was charged with Dean's murder.[1][3] She pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to a maximum of 25½ years in prison.[4]

Background

[edit]

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.[1][3]

Government involvement

[edit]

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]

Community reaction

[edit]

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.

Funeral

[edit]

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]

Court case

[edit]
Rachel Pfitzner
Born1981 (age 42–43)
Blacktown, New South Wales
OccupationUnemployed
Criminal statusImprisoned
Spouses
  • Paul James Shillingsworth
  • Clifford Connors
ChildrenT (2000)
Dean Shillingsworth (2005)
B (2007)
Children's names suppressed by court
MotiveRage
Conviction(s)Murder
Criminal chargeMurder
Penalty25½ years

Pfitzner appeared in court on 12 December 2007 via videolink from Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned without bail several times to allow police more time to complete their brief of evidence.[10][11][12]

Pfitzner appeared in court on 28 October 2008. The court was told she had shaken her son and thrown him to the ground. Believing him to be dead, she allegedly wrapped him in plastic and placed him in a suitcase. A forensic psychologist testified that the boy may not have been dead at that time. Pfitzner was committed to stand trial and did not enter a plea.[13]

In June 2009, Pfitzner pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder.[14] In August 2009 she changed her plea to guilty of murder.[15][16] On 9 December 2009 Pfitzner was sentenced to a maximum of 25½ years in jail.[4] In July 2010 she appealed against the severity of the sentence.[17]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e "The boy for whom help came too late". The Sydney Morning Herald. 22 October 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  2. ^ "Fear as body found". The Sydney Morning Herald. 18 October 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  3. ^ a b "Body in suitcase: police charge toddler's mother". The Sun-Herald. 21 October 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  4. ^ a b Arlington, Kim (10 December 2009). "DOCS failed Dean: report". smh.com.au. Retrieved 10 December 2009.
  5. ^ "Minister ducks queries on dead boy". The Sydney Morning Herald. 22 October 2007. Retrieved 22 October 2007.
  6. ^ "Where the good times roll children are dying". New Zealand Herald. 21 November 2007. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
  7. ^ "Candles and balloons for 'Lake Angel'". The Sydney Morning Herald. 23 October 2007. Retrieved 23 October 2007.
  8. ^ "Mourners pay respects to Shillingsworth'". The Sydney Morning Herald. 26 October 2007. Retrieved 26 October 2007.
  9. ^ "Hundreds attend Shillingsworth funeral". The Australian. 1 November 2007. Retrieved 13 December 2007.
  10. ^ "Compassion plea as mother of boy in suitcase faces court". The Sydney Morning Herald. 13 December 2007. Retrieved 13 December 2007.
  11. ^ no by-line., AAP (12 December 2007). "Murder-accused mum 'deserves compassion'". The West Australian. Retrieved 15 December 2007.
  12. ^ "Woman faces court over body in suitcase". ninemsn. 6 February 2008. Retrieved 20 June 2008.
  13. ^ Alexander, Harriet (28 October 2008). "Body in suitcase: mum to stand trial". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 28 October 2008.
  14. ^ Alexander, Harriet (5 June 2009). "Body in suitcase: mother's manslaughter plea". smh.com.au. Retrieved 5 June 2009.
  15. ^ Brown, Malcolm (18 August 2009). "Mother pleads guilty to murder of son, 2". smh.com.au. Retrieved 18 August 2009.
  16. ^ Kontominas, Bellinda (8 October 2009). "Mother killed son on day custody awarded to gran: court hears". smh.com.au. Retrieved 8 October 2009.
  17. ^ "Dean Shillingsworth's mum fights sentence". dailytelegraph.com.au. 16 July 2010. Retrieved 16 July 2010.
[edit]
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