Chinese student pours hot coffee on baby in Brisbane park
Suspect fled Australia after attack, international search underway
A 33-year-old Chinese national on a student visa is suspected of pouring hot coffee on a nine-month-old baby at Hanlon Park in Brisbane, resulting in lifelong injuries for the child. The incident occurred around midday on August 27 when Luka, the infant, was at a picnic with his mother.
The man approached them and poured a thermos of scalding coffee over the baby before fleeing the scene. Luka suffered severe burns to his face, upper body, and arms, requiring four operations at Queensland Children’s Hospital. Police have issued a warrant for the man’s arrest on charges of intending to cause grievous bodily harm, which could result in a life sentence.
The suspect drove to New South Wales the day after the attack and left the country from Sydney on August 31. Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Andrew Massingham revealed on Thursday that the suspect’s name had been reported in Chinese media. The 33-year-old man had no family or criminal record in Australia and had lived in Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria.
The identity of the man wanted for pouring hot coffee over a baby in a Brisbane park has been revealed overseas.
The parents of the little boy now fearing justice may never be served. #9News @EbonyCavallaro
READ MORE: https://t.co/blURDSFKVw pic.twitter.com/zXPMQQDZ1E
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) October 3, 2024
He initially arrived in Australia on a holiday visa in 2019 before switching to a student visa. He was reportedly born in Hangzhou, China. Massingham confirmed the ongoing international search for the suspect, emphasising the commitment to finding him. He stated, “That child will have those injuries for life.”
Queensland Police Detective Inspector Paul Dalton said the man left the country just 12 hours after being identified. He expressed frustration over the narrow miss, noting that 30 detectives are working on the case and are determined to bring the suspect to justice.
Luka’s mother expressed some relief that the alleged attacker was no longer in Australia but admitted that the incident has severely impacted her mental health. She shared her ongoing fear and anxiety about being in public with her son and questioned why the attack happened.
Detective Inspector Dalton acknowledged the lack of a clear motive, describing it as unusual. He conveyed a strong message to the suspect, stating, “We will keep going until we find you.” Luka’s parents reported that their son is in good spirits, although his recovery may take years. A GoFundMe page for the child has raised over $195,000.
What Other Media Are Saying
- 1News: Police are internationalizing their search for a 33-year-old man who scalded a nine-month-old baby in Brisbane, despite him fleeing to another country.(read more)
- The Guardian reports on international efforts to extradite a man who allegedly threw hot coffee on a nine-month-old baby in Brisbane, highlighting the mother’s frustration over the potential years-long wait for justice.(read more)
- CNN reports on a widening manhunt for a suspect who allegedly threw scalding coffee on a baby in an unprovoked attack at a park in northern Australia, highlighting the serious nature and ongoing investigation.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened to the baby in Brisbane park?
A man poured scalding coffee on a 9-month-old baby, causing life-threatening burns.
Who is the suspect in the Brisbane coffee attack?
The suspect is a 33-year-old Chinese national who was on a student visa.
Has the suspect been arrested?
No, the suspect fled the country before police could arrest him.
How is the baby doing after the attack?
The baby has undergone four operations and will have lifelong injuries.
How much money has been raised for the baby?
A GoFundMe page for the baby has raised more than $195,000.
