A 31-year-old mother has been accused of murdering her seven-month-old son in the early hours of Monday at their family home in Perth’s northern suburbs.
Jacinta Beth Sells briefly appeared in the Western Australian Magistrates Court on Wednesday, where she was charged with the alleged murder of her infant son.
Police Called to the Scene
Police and paramedics were called to the residence around 3am following reports of a serious assault. The lifeless infant was found with critical injuries and was declared dead at the scene.
It’s believed the boy suffered stab wounds, and Sells was allegedly drug-affected at the time of the incident. The tragic event is believed to have occurred in front of family members, including a 13-year-old girl.
Sells, a slight woman with long dark hair and a gaunt face, sat motionless in the dock with her head down, flanked by two security guards, before the brief hearing.
She stood when the charge against her was read, acknowledging she understood the accusation before being led from the court.
WA Police Commissioner’s Response
WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch described the incident as “horrific” and a “very sad story”.
Sells was remanded in custody to reappear in Stirling Garden Magistrates Court on August 20.
If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.