A court in Australia has heard shocking allegations that a mother threw her two young daughters into a river after telling them to “go to God,” despite knowing they were inexperienced swimmers.
The 39-year-old woman is charged with attempted murder following the incident at the Georges River in Liverpool, southwest Sydney, on September 11, 2023. Due to legal restrictions, the identities of the mother and her children have not been disclosed.
According to court documents presented at Parramatta District Court, the girls immediately struggled in the water and had difficulty breathing. Authorities stated they were rescued by a passer-by more than two hours later.
Police later located the woman nearby after she fell from the Light Horse Bridge. She survived the approximately seven-meter fall and was taken into custody.
The court was told that the woman had reportedly experienced severe mental distress. Paramedics noted she claimed to have heard voices telling her to “kill yourself” for over a year.
Documents also revealed she allegedly told her ex-husband she had been seeing “spirits” and “evil” in her home. She reportedly purchased items, including a teepee tent, tarot cards, and spices, in an attempt to rid the house of negative forces.
Judge Huw Baker SC is expected to deliver a mental health ruling, which will determine whether the woman is fit to stand trial.
The case has sparked widespread concern, highlighting the importance of mental health support and child protection in crisis situations.
