New details emerge about tragedy of little boy allegedly killed and eaten by his mum – as friends and neighbours reveal the circumstances that led to his awful death

A little boy was referred to authorities three times over concerns his mother had drug-induced psychosis, before she allegedly killed and ate him.

The 32-year-old woman, who can’t be identified for legal reasons, approached police in Wyong on the NSW Central Coast on Saturday and allegedly told them she had consumed parts of her four-year-old son.

Police went to their one-bedroom community housing unit on Byron Street and found the little boy dead with significant arm injuries.

It’s understood he was dead for several days before the alarm was raised.

Mother and son moved to the area five months ago to escape domestic violence, but Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) workers had been communicating with the family for at least a year prior.

The most recent was last January when case workers assessed whether the boy, who was a toddler at the time, was at risk of serious neglect due to his mother’s suspected substance abuse.

However, there was not enough evidence about her alleged drug and alcohol abuse and he was allowed to stay with her until his death.

About 40 locals held a vigil for the little boy at Wyong Memorial Pool on Monday afternoon, where one local mum told Daily Mail that her son Jayden played with the alleged victim at a birthday party.

‘He seemed really normal and happy and full of energy, but he was a shy little kid,’ she said.

‘I honestly wish we’d got to know him because my son absolutely loved playing with him.’

Jayden kept to himself throughout the vigil. He played games on a phone and did not interact with other children.

She said the boy’s mother ‘seemed really quiet’ and ‘was really nice to speak to’ when their kids were playing together.

‘The mum seemed fine, the little boy seemed fine, there’s nothing that stands out,’ she said.

‘It all goes back to the fact that you don’t know what happens behind closed doors.’

Others at the vigil said they did not know the boy or his mother, but they thought it was important to pay tribute.

The Mail understands the majority of the mother’s family live in Gunnedah and Armidale in the state’s north.

At the vigil, teary-eyed children paid tribute by laying their favourite toys at the memorial, while others left Spider-Man balloons.

Most locals were in disbelief over the allegations.

A member of the Wyong church almost broke down as she said a prayer for the boy.

News Corp reported the little boy came to the attention of the DCJ in early 2024 when a family member expressed concern for his welfare.

It was at that point that DCJ became aware of her suspected drug use and psychosis episodes. 

The mother was then referred to an early intervention program that allowed him to stay in his mother’s custody.

Daily Mail previously revealed the mother had a number of domestic disputes with at least two members of her immediate family, dating back more than a decade.

Her own mother had an apprehended violence order against her, as did another male relative.

She was also caught up in civil disputes with a community housing group in Tamworth, and Transport for NSW after her drivers licence was disqualified last year.

The mother-of-one has appeared in courts in Gunnedah, Mount Druitt and Penrith.

Police could still be seen at the crime scene on Monday, two days after her arrest.

The apartment building remained cordoned off.

Soft toys and cards for the little boy were left at the front door and at the top of the driveway.

According to court documents seen by the Daily Mail, police will allege she killed her son between 4pm and 5pm on July 4.

She was charged with murder and appeared in Bail Court on Saturday, where bail was formally refused.

Her matter is back in Wyong Local Court on September 1.