Inquest Probes Tragic Drowning Death of 3-Year-Old Lachie Jones

A coronial inquest in Invercargill, New Zealand is investigating the tragic death of 3-year-old Lachie Jones, who drowned in a council sewage pond in Gore in January 2019. The inquest, now in its fourth day, aims to uncover the events that unfolded on the night of Lachie's disappearance and the circumstances surrounding his accidental drowning.

Why this matters: The inquest's findings will have significant implications for child safety and accident prevention in New Zealand, and may lead to changes in council policies and procedures. The inquest's findings will have significant implications for child safety and accident prevention in New Zealand, and may lead to changes in council policies and procedures. Additionally, the investigation's outcome will bring closure to the grieving family and community, and may initiate a wider conversation about preventable tragedies.

Deborah Thurston, a neighbor who assisted in the immediate search for Lachie, testified that the events of that night were a"tragic accident. "Thurston, who knew Lachie and his mother Michelle Officer well, described the young boy as a curious child who would often wander off. She recalled,"With Lachie, you'd sort of have to keep an eye on him. He was the sort of child that... He was the sort of child that... would still go despite your objections.

On the night of January 19, 2019, Thurston heard Officer telling Lachie to knock on the door and could hear the preschooler moving around in the washhouse area. However, she did not physically see Lachie. Officer told Thurston that she had been chasing Lachie and had to go home to change his nappy but decided to stop by for a chat. When Officer said "he's gone again," Thurston began searching with her.

Thurston and Officer searched around both properties, yelling Lachie's name. Two young girls told Thurston they had seen Lachie run in the direction of the river, and Thurston asked them to get their dad to help with the search. Later that evening, Thurston was present at Officer's property when the mother was informed that police had found Lachie's body in the oxidation pond, just over a kilometer from his home.

During cross-examination, police counsel Robin Bates questioned Thurston's ability to recall the events of the night, suggesting she may be susceptible to suggestion at times. Thurston admitted that her memory may have been altered as a result of interactions in the years since the incident. However, she maintained her trust in Officer's version of events, stating,"I trust what she was saying, and I know what I heard."

Maxine Cartwright, a Gore resident, also testified that she saw a little person running in the direction of the sewage oxidation ponds on the night Lachie disappeared. This testimony, along with Thurston's account, provides vital insights into the events leading up to the tragic discovery of Lachie's body.

Lachie's father, Paul Jones, has disputed the findings of two police investigations that concluded Lachie accidentally drowned after wandering off. The 15-day inquest aims to examine the events of that night in detail to determine what happened and provide closure for the grieving family.

The inquest has also heard accusations that Lachie's mother and half-brother, Jonathan Scott, were involved in his death and alleged cover-up. However, both have denied these claims, with Scott calling the suggestion "disgusting" during his testimony.

The inquest continues, with the community of Gore and the nation awaiting answers about the tragic loss of a young life. The testimony of witnesses like Deborah Thurston and Maxine Cartwright will play a vital role in shedding light on the mystery surrounding Lachie Jones' untimely death.

Key Takeaways

• A 3-year-old boy, Lachie Jones, drowned in a council sewage pond in Gore, New Zealand in 2019.
• A coronial inquest is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
• Witnesses, including a neighbor, testified about the events leading up to Lachie's disappearance.
• Accusations of involvement in Lachie's death and cover-up have been made against his mother and half-brother, but both deny these claims.
• The inquest aims to uncover the truth and provide closure for the grieving family and community.