A mother accused of poisoning her two severely disabled children to death has been charged with murder and torture.
Gold Coast woman Maree Mavis Crabtre, 51, was arrested on Wednesday morning over the deaths of her 18-year-old daughter and 26-year-old son.
The pair, who were both originally believed to have committed suicide, were found dead around five years apart.
Police will allege Crabtre slowly poisoned the pair over an ‘extended period’, Nine News reported.
Gold Coast woman Maree Mavis Crabtre, 51, was arrested on Wednesday morning over the deaths of her disabled children
It’s alleged she was responsible for killing her son, whose body was found at an Upper Coomera home on July 18 last year.
The teenager daughter’s body was found at a Maudsland home on September 4, 2012, where the accused was living at the time.
Her daughter’s death was accepted as suicide, but police will now allege Crabtree gave her a lethal dose of drugs during a family holiday, The Australian reported.
When her son was found dead, a suicide note was found – but police will allege it was prepared by the mother, according to the publication.
She is also accused of seriously assaulting her 25-year-old daughter on a number of occasions over several years.
Her 18-year-old daughter and 26-year-old son were found dead around five years apar
It’s alleged she was responsible for killing her son, whose body was found at an Upper Coomera home on July 18 last year
She will face Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday afternoon on two counts of murder, one count each of torture and grievous bodily harm, two counts each of fraud and attempted fraud and one count of robbery whilst armed.
Detective Inspector Mark Thompson said the investigation had been complex as some of the alleged incidents occurred across Australia.
‘That is why we are appealing for anyone who may have any information that could assist with the investigation,’ Det Insp Thompson said.
‘Any piece of information, no matter how small, can have a significant impact on our investigation.’
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