East Lismore deaths: Horrendous details emerge about the way little boy, 2, and his dad died in grim suspected murder-suicide

The father who killed himself and his son during a planned custody visit had set up a lethal poisoning system in his home, police believe.

The 38-year-old man and two-year-old boy were found dead in a unit on College Street in East Lismore on the NSW north coast on Sunday evening after police were called to conduct a welfare check.

The boy’s mother raised the alarm after the boy did not arrive at her home as planned on Sunday afternoon and was unable to make contact with the father.

The child’s father, who was known to police for domestic violence, allegedly murdered his son before killing himself.

Detectives are investigating whether carbon monoxide poisoning contributed to the couple’s deaths Daily telegram reported.

It is understood that forensic specialists at the crime scene found equipment and a setup in the property indicative of carbon monoxide poisoning.

This week an autopsy will be performed on the body to determine how the man and the toddler died.

High carbon monoxide levels can cause loss of consciousness and seizures that can lead to death.

The toxic gas, which is odorless and colorless, is produced by the combustion of petroleum substances such as oil, diesel and gasoline.

Daily Mail Australia does not suggest these substances were involved in the couple’s deaths.

Detectives and crime scene officers, wearing protective clothing and face masks, spent most of Monday searching the two-bedroom unit and left the complex with several bags of evidence.

A small red tricycle could be seen in the carport, which had been taped off by police.

It is understood that the unit block has recently been renovated following extensive damage during the 2022 floods.

Officers at the crime scene (pictured) were seen leaving the unit with bags of evidence on Monday after searching the premises

The father, who was known to police, is said to have killed his son before committing suicide. Children’s bicycles were seen outside the unit on Monday

Deputy Police Commissioner Peter Thurtell said detectives are aware of how the couple died and that no weapon was involved.

“The father created a system where both he and the child died as a result of the system he set up,” he said.

‘You will not encounter a more tragic event.

“All these issues are difficult for the police, but they are well trained.

“Our social services take care of our officers. Our focus should be on the poor mother who has lost a child.”

Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said the man was known to police for previous domestic violence cases but not for “significant problems”.

He said the mother lived in the local community with her son, who was an only child, and the father had a visitation on Sunday.

‘The mother was worried [to police] with the fact that they were going to hand over the child at 4:30 p.m. and by 5:30 p.m. she had contacted the police and we went to the home and made the discovery,” said Deputy Commissioner Thurtell.

It is believed an arrest warrant has been issued for the father, which had been in place since July last year to protect the boy and his mother.

“The father had no criminal record in NSW, but I understand he is from interstate and we will be making inquiries with other police organizations across the country,” Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.

Assistant Commissioner for Emergency Management Peter Thurtell (pictured) addressed the media on Monday following the incident

The incident has shocked the neighborhood.

Shocked neighbors told the Daily Telegraph they occasionally saw the boy in the street but heard nothing untoward or sinister on Sunday.

“I don’t think the kid has been there that much… but I saw him with (the kid) not too long ago, but it all looked normal enough,” one resident told the publication.

Another neighbor Lucy met the ‘sweet’ and ‘shy’ boy when his father moved into the complex about six months ago.

“When they first moved in, they saw my cat and they came over and played with him… he was a little shy, the boy, but he just wanted to play with my cat,” she said ABC news.

Forensic teams (pictured) spent most of Monday searching the unit for evidence

Locals have rallied around the boy’s grieving mother and took to social media to mourn the loss of the toddler.

“To that poor, poor mother… my heart breaks for you,” one person wrote

Another said: ‘Unbelievable what that mother is going through. Rest in peace, little one.”

Strike Force McGuren has been established to continue the investigation into the deaths.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For confidential support 24/7, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636