Bundaberg neighbour heard screams before four-month-old baby’s ‘unexplained’ death

The traumatized neighbor of a teenage couple whose son died from unexplained injuries recalled hearing screams from the child’s mother before an ambulance was called.

Emergency services were called to a public housing unit on Electra St in Bundaberg West, Central Queensland, at around 5.18pm on February 26.

Four-month-old baby Lucas was rushed from the home to Bundaberg Hospital, where staff reportedly contacted the local child protection unit.

Lucas was airlifted to Queensland Children’s Hospital in the early hours of February 27 and tragically died from his injuries on Sunday, March 3.

A mother who lived next door to the family’s unit described how on Feb. 26 she heard Lucas’ mother, Dakota Worrall, 17, and father, Alex List, 19, screaming in distress.

“I heard the mother slam the door and say, ‘My baby is dying, he won’t open his eyes, I don’t know what to do,’” she told the newspaper. Courier mail.

‘The father said: ‘Calm down, I’ll call the ambulance for you’. Then everything became quiet.’

A short time later, the ambulance arrived and the neighbor watched as paramedics entered the unit.

The neighbor said the teenage parents were unemployed but were “very friendly” and sociable.

Although she had heard the couple arguing, she had never heard them hurt baby Lucas.

She said the whole situation has upset her so much that she’s “going to get help.”

“I can’t get it off my mind, I need someone to talk to,” she said.

Mr List was seen outside the unit on Tuesday with two plainclothes police officers, holding a baby seat with a doll inside.

At a news conference Tuesday morning, Detective Wade Lee told reporters that Lucas suffered multiple injuries that “are not explained.”

“As a result of the injuries sustained by that four-month-old child, that child died on Sunday,” Inspector Lee said.

He noted that there were no other signs of abuse or neglect on Lucas, but that an autopsy has yet to be performed.

The parents were previously unknown to child protection authorities and have no other children in their care.

“As you can imagine, this is a very distressing incident for the couple so we are dealing with them and we are continuing the investigation as best we can,” Inspector Lee said.

Queensland Police have asked for public assistance in tracing the family’s movements on February 26 when they visited various places in the city.

Police also want to hear details about how Lucas was cared for and by whom.

Lucas’ mother, Dakota Worrall, 17, and father Alex List, 19 (pictured with Lucas), were heard ‘screaming’ before an ambulance was called to their unit.

“We want to hear from all members of the community about the movement and activities surrounding the couple and the deceased child,” Inspector Lee said.

“This is a particularly delicate and sad incident due to the vulnerable nature of the child.”

No charges have been filed in connection with Lucas’ death.

Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact Queensland Police.