Chilling new details emerge after Qld mother's alleged murder

The Queensland mother who has been charged with the alleged murder of her three-year-old daughter posted a series of disturbing and emotional messages to social media just days earlier that hinted at inner turmoil and a spiritual battle.

Lauren Flanigan, 32, was taken into custody on Monday night after police were called to a property in Moore Park Beach, near Bundaberg. Flanigan was present at the scene and arrested shortly after. A knife, believed by authorities to be the murder weapon, was found and seized. She was formally charged with murder on Tuesday.

In the days leading up to the incident, Flanigan’s social media presence had taken on a concerning tone. Through a series of emotionally charged posts, she spoke of trauma, spirituality and defiance against "the system".

In her final post, published just a day before her daughter's death, Flanigan wrote:

“REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. Not what the system told you. Not what your trauma whispered. Not the lies of fear. You are ROYALTY. You are CHOSEN. You are HOLY. You are a WARRIOR OF LIGHT.”

She continued: “Train like it’s war – because it is. Discipline is deliverance. Refine your algorithm. Refine your soul. God is calling His army out of hiding. This is kingdom rising… No more delays. No more compromise. Tag your generals. It’s time to RISE.”

Another post reflected on her role as a mother and her desire for a more meaningful life:

“Time to watch my babies grow. Time to breathe. Time to live. Time to love,” she wrote. “I have given my life to serve. I have a beautiful little family who remind me of love daily.”

Flanigan, who was known to be an active member of Bundaberg’s Alive Church, often shared religious and inspirational messages online. She frequently posted photos of her children, once calling them her “divine babies”, and reflected on spiritual metaphors during walks on the beach.

One lengthy post, accompanied by a video of waves washing over seashells, read: “As I walked along the beach today… I began to notice the shells scattered along the shoreline. Each one completely unique… Some cracked. Some whole… And then I realised… We are like these shells.”

The alleged murder has shocked the quiet regional community and sparked widespread sorrow and disbelief. Neighbours and community members are grappling with the tragedy, as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding Sophia’s death.

Flanigan remains in custody and is expected to appear in court later this week. Police have confirmed that mental health will be a key focus of their ongoing inquiries.

Support is available from the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).

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