Jacinta Beth Sells: Independent investigation to determine if Balcatta baby murder could have been prevented

An independent investigation into the alleged stabbing murder of a Balcatta baby will scrutinise the actions of State authorities and whether the boy’s death could have been prevented. On Friday, the State Government broke its silence to confirm the Ombudsman will probe the circumstance leading up to the seven-month-old’s death, allegedly at the hands of his mother, Jacinta Beth Sells. “There is an investigation going on into that (alleged) murder and the circumstances, whether the response by the authorities was sufficient,” Labor Minister Simone McGurk said. “I think it’s important for everybody that the investigations, whether they’re police or other independent authorities, take place so that we get the full suite of information that is available.” The minister’s comments came less than 24-hours after the family of Ms Sells took aim at the Department of Communities accusing it of failing to keep the child safe and prevent his death. A spokesperson for the family told The West Australian, the mother had been struggling with parenting difficulties, mental health issues, and was allegedly subjected to domestic violence. Child protection workers from the department had been regularly visiting Sells, including in the days prior to when she’s alleged to have taken her sons life. “We met with the Department of Communities. We told them we were disappointed that they failed. We affirmed our disappointment in the prior management and support,” a family spokeswoman said. The Department has repeatedly refused to comment on the case with a spokesperson saying: ”As this matter is before the courts, the Department won’t be providing comment.” Minister for Child Protection, and Prevention of Family and Domestic Violence, Jessica Stojkovski, had also refused to answer repeated questions, with a State Government spokesperson saying: “As this matter is before the courts it would be inappropriate to provide further comment.” Late on Friday afternoon, Ms Stojkovski issued a statement referring to the baby’s death as a “deeply distressing” case. “The Department of Communities had contact with the family prior to the incident,” she said. “The Department of Communities has provided information to the Ombudsman. A review into the Department’s interactions with the family is standard practice with any case of this nature.” The Ombudsman is tasked with reviewing any death arising out of a domestic and family violence relationship. It will examine the circumstances surrounding the death, and can make recommendations to public authorities about ways to prevent or reduce future instances. Minister McGurk was left to defend the Department and its staff earlier in the day and urged for patience as the investigation is carried out. “The Department of Communities have got a very, very challenging job trying to support people in those sort of circumstances,” she said. “I know people are curious about what occurred. Dismayed about what occurred and whether it could have been prevented, but let the investigations take place. To see whether there is enough support given to that particular family. “For now, it’s certainly enough to say that our thoughts are with that extended family and the first responders. We’ve all got a responsibility to combat domestic violence.” WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the rate of domestic and family violence in the community was “significant” and said more people, including survivors needed to be willing to speak-up. “It’s important that we understand domestic violence and its impact on our community,” he said. “We can only do that when we have the totality of the incidents. We need to encourage more victim-survivors to report the situation because we think only 30% are at this point in time.”