A coronial report has recommended that the death of a toddler in 2019 be referred to the unsolved homicide squad. The child, referred to as KBS for legal reasons, was found unresponsive in his cot at a home in Wagga Wagga on January 13, 2019. Despite being rushed to the hospital, he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The autopsy revealed that KBS died from a ruptured spleen caused by blunt force trauma. The report, issued by Coroner Carmel Forbes, noted that KBS had suffered multiple injuries, including broken ribs and burns from a cigarette lighter.

NSW Police began investigating KBS's death in May 2019, but no charges have been filed. In her findings, Forbes expressed that KBS, who had ties to several Aboriginal nations, was deeply missed by his family. "He was described as a happy and cheeky boy who loved to dance and sing," she stated.

The inquest revealed inconsistencies in the accounts provided by KBS's family members regarding the events leading up to his death. Forbes noted that this made it challenging to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. "The available evidence only allows me to make findings in relation to KBS's identity, the date of his death, the place of his death, and the cause of his death," she explained. "I am unable to make findings in relation to the manner or circumstances surrounding KBS's death."

Forbes acknowledged the emotional toll this uncertainty has taken on KBS's family, particularly his father, who she described as "broken" since the loss. She offered her condolences, stating, "KBS's cruel death has devastated his family and friends."

The report also detailed the mother's varying accounts of the night before KBS's death. She eventually revealed that her partner was present in the home that night. The partner, who has since died, was reported to have been using drugs in the house. According to the findings, around 1:30 a.m. on the day of KBS's death, the partner entered the bedroom where KBS and his mother were. KBS was upset, and the partner allegedly made the mother feel as though she had to choose between him and KBS.

The partner took KBS to his bedroom, and shortly after, the mother heard a noise from that room. When she checked on KBS, he was found crying in his cot. The partner dismissed the situation, telling the mother that "KBS is just being a sook."

Later that morning, KBS was discovered dead. Forensic pathologist Allan Cala conducted an autopsy and found that KBS had significant internal bleeding, with 250 milliliters of blood in his abdominal cavity. Cala concluded that the cause of death was blunt force trauma, possibly from a forceful punch or kick. Forensic pediatrician Susan Marks supported this conclusion, stating that KBS had lost a quarter of his circulating blood volume due to the ruptured spleen.

NSW Police have been contacted to determine if KBS's case will be reopened for further investigation.