Police found a baby's body in a Corowa home after concerns were raised about his welfare. Photo / Facebook
Police found a baby's body in a Corowa home after concerns were raised about his welfare. Photo / Facebook
In the two weeks before police discovered the deceased body of three-month-old Kevin John Patten inside a freezer, his mother, Kylie Patten shared a gushing Facebook dedicated to her son.
Patten shared a series of photos of her son with the caption: "Proud, looked so damn well cutie had to(sic) … Love you xo".
John Patten shared the photos of her son two weeks before his death. Photo / Facebook
At 10pm on Wednesday night, Albury police were called to a home in the southern NSW town of Corowa where they discovered Kevin's body wrapped in a blanket and stored in a freezer.
This came after the child had been reported missing and "concerns were raised for the welfare of a child" a statement from NSW Police claimed.
The baby's cause of death has yet to be revealed and is pending the results of a post-mortem examination. The freezer was also seized by police at around 3pm on Thursday.
A 40-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and taken to Albury Police Station, however she was later released "pending further investigation".
As it stands, the identity of the woman has not been revealed.
Specialist forensic officers are continuing their investigation of the crime scene and the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad have established Strike Force Walumil who will be looking into the child's death.
According to Patten's social media activity, the Corowa-woman had multiple Facebook profiles where she shared photos of her cats and several posts dedicated to her newborn. She also documented her pregnancy, sharing images of her positive pregnancy test and photos of her pregnant belly.
Although one profile said she had been "separated," another stated that she also had an adult child and another young son.
Another post of baby Kevin from November. Photo / Facebook
In November, Patten also shared a photo of her son sleeping and tucked into a blanket.
"Kevin John Patten Mummy loves you to the stars n all the way back to earth. XXXXXX," she wrote in the caption.
Corowa residents shocked
Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, neighbours expressed shock at the horrific discovery.
A longtime resident of Corowa said: "Nothing ever happens in our sleepy little town," while another called the situation "very sad".
Located on the border between NSW and Victoria, the town has a population of 5482 people.
Also commenting on the case, Federation Council mayor Pat Bourke said the death of the baby was a tragedy.
"Any time a child is lost, under any circumstances is a tragedy," he said.
"Our thoughts go out to everyone affected, especially the family of the infant and our first responders."
According to the Daily Mail, Patten lived in a house which was owned by and opposite from her parents, however moved back in with her parents before giving birth to Kevin. The Mail described the residence as being filled with discarded toys and other miscellaneous items like old plants, car wheels and a "rusty pink flamingo".
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers in Australia: 1800 333 00 or NSW Crimestoppers.
Where to get help: • Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7) • Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7) • Youthline: 0800 376 633 or text 234 (available 24/7) • Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7) • Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (12pm to 11pm) • Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 or text 4202 (available 24/7) • Anxiety helpline: 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY) (available 24/7) • Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155 If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.
