Murder of Dean Shillingsworth

Overview

Dean Shillingsworth (25 February 2005 – 11 October 2007) was a young Aboriginal Australian boy whose body was discovered by children in a pond in Mandurama Reserve, Ambarvale, New South Wales, on 17 October 2007. His body had been wrapped in two plastic bags and placed inside a tartan suitcase. Due to the length of time the body had been in the water, it was significantly decomposed.

Investigation

Local police established a crime scene that was subsequently investigated by the NSW Police Forensic Services Group. Forensic evidence and the ensuing investigation led police to Dean's mother, Rachel Pfitzner, who lived nearby in Rosemeadow. She was arrested and charged with Dean's murder.

Government Involvement

The New South Wales Department of Community Services (DOCS) had sought a Family Court warrant on 11 October 2007 to place Dean in the custody of his grandmother. When the order was served on Pfitzner on 18 October, she told police that Dean was already in DOCS custody. Police later determined this was incorrect and questioned Pfitzner further, which led to her arrest. Both DOCS and the New South Wales Ombudsman opened inquiries into the department's involvement in the case.

Community Response

In the days following the discovery of Dean's body, local residents gathered at Mandurama Reserve, creating an impromptu shrine of flowers and toys near the water's edge. When police escorted Pfitzner to the scene on 20 October 2007, a crowd jeered and surged toward the vehicle. On 26 October 2007, a community ceremony for Dean was held at Mandurama Reserve, attended by approximately 2,000 people, including prayers, balloons, floating candles, and an Aboriginal smoking ceremony. Dean's funeral was held in his hometown of Brewarrina on 1 November 2007, attended by more than 300 family, friends, and community members.

Court Proceedings

Pfitzner first appeared in court via videolink from Silverwater Women's Correctional Centre on 12 December 2007; the case was adjourned without bail multiple times to allow police to complete their brief of evidence. At a hearing on 28 October 2008, the court was told that Pfitzner had shaken her son and thrown him to the ground, and, believing him dead, wrapped him in plastic and placed him in a suitcase. A forensic psychologist testified that the boy may not have been dead at that time. Pfitzner was committed to stand trial without entering a plea. In June 2009, she pleaded guilty to manslaughter and not guilty to murder; in August 2009, she changed her plea to guilty of murder. On 9 December 2009, she was sentenced to a maximum of 25½ years in prison. In July 2010, she appealed the severity of her sentence.