Today police in Queensland, Australia revealed a shocking case where a social media influencer has been accused of poisoning her one-year-old daughter to elicit sympathy, boost her online following, and solicit donations.
IMAGE Via: Queensland Police
The 34-year-old woman, who had portrayed herself as a devoted mother documenting her child’s battle with a terminal illness, is now facing serious charges, including torture, administering poison, making child exploitation material, and fraud. According to Queensland Police, the influencer drugged her baby girl, capturing and sharing videos of the child in “immense distress and pain” for her social media audience.
The investigation began in October, after doctors raised concerns when the child was hospitalized following a severe medical episode. “There are no words for how repulsive offences of this nature are,” Det. Insp. Paul Dalton said in a press conference.
Between August and October, authorities allege the woman administered multiple prescription and over-the-counter medicines to her daughter without proper authorization. Investigators discovered that she went to great lengths to obtain these medications, even using leftover prescriptions intended for another household member.
The baby was hospitalized on October 15, suffering “severe emotional and physical distress and harm.” Subsequent tests confirmed the presence of unauthorized medications in the child’s system, prompting the police to deepen their inquiry. By January, the results of the investigation solidified the charges against the influencer.
During this time, the woman reportedly used her social media platforms to gain attention and financial support, raising approximately A$60,000 (£30,500; $37,300) through a GoFundMe campaign. The platform is now working to refund donors, according to police.
While authorities initially explored the possibility of others being involved, they concluded there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone else. The child, now in safe care, is reportedly recovering and “doing well,” Det. Insp. Dalton confirmed.
The case has sent shockwaves around the world, raising questions about the dangers of unchecked social media narratives.
The accused woman is set to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday, where she will face the gravity of the allegations against her.
Munchausen syndrome by proxy (MSBP), also known as factitious disorder imposed on another, involves a caregiver inducing or fabricating medical conditions in someone under their care, typically a child, to gain attention or financial benefit. Recent cases highlight the severe impact of this form of abuse:
In 2024, Lisa Campbell-Goins, a grandmother in Texas, was arrested and charged with child abuse offenses, including unlawful restraint, exploitation of a child, and injuring a child. She allegedly had an unnecessary gastric feeding tube inserted into her granddaughter and solicited monetary donations through platforms like GoFundMe.
A couple from Adelaide, Australia, was charged with faking their 6-year-old son’s cancer to scam approximately $60,000 in donations in July 2024. They allegedly shaved the boy’s head, placed him in a wheelchair, and bandaged his head to mimic radiotherapy treatment, posting pleas for financial help on platforms such as GoFundMe and through the child’s school. The children have been removed from the parents’ custody, and the couple faces charges of deception and causing harm.
