Four dead babies in 10 years

The Daily Telegraph

Aug 3, 1999

A HUNTER Valley mother who has had four infant children die during the past 10 years is under investigation by police.

The Daily Telegraph has learned that Singleton detectives have been investigating the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the four Folbigg children, aged between 19 days and 18 months.

Kathy Folbigg, 32 and her husband Craig have been interviewed by police about the events leading up to the deaths of their children. A number of the couple’s relatives and friends are also understood to have been interviewed by police.

Singleton detective, Senior Constable Bernie Ryan confirmed yesterday that a coronial investigation was being carried out in relation to the deaths of the babies. He emphasised that at this stage there was no evidence of any criminal offence by any party. The four Folbigg children – two boys and two girls – died between February 1989 and March 1999. Each of the deaths occurred at the house where the couple lived at the time. Caleb Folbigg was born in Newcastle on February 2, 1989 and died on February 20, 1989. Patrick Folbigg was born on June 3, 1990, also in Newcastle and died on February 13, 1991. Sarah Folbigg was born on October 14, 1992 in Newcastle and died on August 30, 1993. The death of 18-month-old Laura Folbigg was reported to Singleton police as a matter of course in March this year.

She had been born at the Singleton Hospital on August 7, 1997 and died on March 1 this year. When police were told it was the fourth child the couple had lost in recent years they began an immediate investigation.

Mrs Folbigg is a part-time shop assistant in Singleton while her husband is a salesman in a local car yard. They have no remaining children.

Detectives have recently conducted separate records of interview with both Mr and Mrs Folbigg. It is believed that a search warrant was executed at the couple’s Singleton home and certain property was removed for examination.

The Daily Telegraph understands each of the babies underwent a post- mortem at the time of death and were later cremated. Two of the deaths were attributed to SIDS, one was caused by an obstruction of the airways due to an epileptic fit and the fourth was undetermined.

Neighbours of the Folbiggs described them as an "outgoing" couple. A neighbour, who asked not to be named, described Laura’s death earlier this year as a "complete shock."

"She seemed such a bright, happy and healthy baby," the neighbour said. "We couldn’t believe it when we heard she died." When approached by The Daily Telegraph last Friday Mrs Folbigg declined to comment on the deaths.

Yesterday a solicitor for the couple contacted The Daily Telegraph reiterating their decision not to speak publicly about the death of their four children.