Coroner says Quinton Thompson was involved in the death of Tanita Brenssell’s baby Israel

A baby boy found face down in his cot with a bloodied and bruised face did not die accidentally, says a coroner who has pointed to the mum’s boyfriend.

Israel Brenssell-Rimene was 11 months old when he died at Hamilton in Victoria’s west four years ago.

His death was unnatural and not accidental, coroner Philip Byrne found on Thursday after a four-day inquest last month.

Quinton Thompson, who was Israel’s mother’s then-boyfriend, was involved in the child’s sudden death, Mr Byrne said.

‘When one looks at the ‘picture’ the mosaic provides, there are inferences open to be drawn, which in combination led me to the conclusion that Mr Thompson was in some manner involved in baby Israel’s death,’ the coroner said.

A third party ‘deliberately or negligently’ caused injuries found on the infant’s battered body, he said.

Prior to Israel’s death there was also evidence of other injuries including a broken leg, a bruise between his eyes and burns around his ankles.

Hair samples taken from the baby found the presence of drugs including ice, ecstasy and cannabis, indicating drugs were used at the home.

But despite the extensive injuries and ‘exhaustive and ancillary tests’ there was no definitive cause of death.

‘It’s virtually made it impossible to make a definitive finding as to if anyone caused the death,’ Mr Byrne said.

Heartbroken mum Tanita Brenssell told the inquest she blamed her former partner for her son’s death.

Quinton Thompson was the only person home when Israel died and a hair sample found there was evidence of drugs such as ice and ecstasy at the home

‘I definitely know after being here, he’s done this,’ she said after hearing three days of evidence.

Mr Thompson had taken on increasing responsibility for Israel’s care in the months before he died and was the last person to see him alive.

The night before, Mr Thompson showered with Israel and told Ms Brenssell the baby ‘had a tumble in the shower’ and was ‘a bit whingey’.

Mr Thompson was the only person present when the baby died.

‘I believe strongly in my head and my heart that he – he’s suffocated Israel, or he’s done something along those lines,’ Ms Brenssell said.

Tanita Brenssell (pictured) told the inquest she blamed her boyfriend at the time saying ‘he’s done this’

She said she was vulnerable at the time and appreciated Mr Thompson’s help with her children.

‘I had the wool pulled over my eyes. I was so tired of doing the kids all the time and I thought he was helping. It makes me sick. I do feel that I failed as a parent.’

Ms Brenssell and Mr Thompson were questioned by homicide detectives after Israel’s death and no charges were laid.

While Mr Thompson was subpoenaed and due to give evidence to the inquest via video link from New Zealand, he didn’t appear after receiving last-minute legal advice.

No family members were in court for Thursday’s finding.