An infant aged eight months tragically passed away in a distressing setting, leaving authorities and medical responders shocked by the dire conditions of the residence where he was discovered.
The child, identified as Dexter Wilton, was found following a frantic call for help from Natalie Jade Whitehead, Dexter’s mother, who reported her child was unresponsive.
Upon arrival approximately 12 minutes later, law enforcement officers were appalled by the unhygienic state of Whitehead’s dwelling. Reports indicate the presence of animal waste throughout the premises, along with a cluttered kitchen strewn with unwashed dishes, food remnants, and animal leftovers.
Within the room where Dexter slept, two cots were present, with one serving as a storage unit. The area was disarrayed with soiled diapers and infant garments scattered around.
In Dexter’s sleeping space, an empty baby bottle and a sheet soiled with what appeared to be vomit were found.
Whitehead was discovered lying on a mattress, holding Dexter to her chest and in tears. Investigations revealed that the baby had been deceased for a considerable period, with Whitehead and her then-partner, Andrew William Campbell, neglecting to check on the infant for 21 hours.
Subsequently, both Whitehead and Campbell admitted to manslaughter charges related to Dexter’s death, in addition to charges of neglect and causing harm through negligence.
Whitehead received a nine-year prison sentence in October of the previous year, becoming eligible for parole in June 2025 after serving almost four years in pre-sentence detention. Campbell was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison for Dexter’s manslaughter and will be eligible for parole in September 2026.
During Campbell’s court hearing, Supreme Court Justice Catherine Muir described the distressing scene at the residence in Raceview, Australia, where Dexter tragically perished.
The court learned that Dexter had been put to bed the previous night with a bottle of milk, in a room heated with the door shut. However, Whitehead and Campbell did not check on him until the following day at 5 pm, spending the intervening time consuming drugs within their home.
Apart from the unsanitary conditions and lack of food in the house, Justice Muir highlighted the discovery of a bathtub with cleaning implements in use and a heavily soiled nappy in the bathroom.
Moreover, it was revealed that instead of seeking immediate medical assistance when Dexter was found unresponsive, he was bathed and given a fresh diaper.
Campbell was reported to have disposed of soiled baby clothes and diapers in a neighbor’s bin, urging them to keep silent. He also concealed drug paraphernalia in their home, emphasizing secrecy.
Tragically, just before his demise, Dexter had been described as cheerful, bright, and well-cared-for while staying with relatives in Tara.
A post-mortem examination during Campbell’s trial indicated severe neglect of the infant’s basic needs, resulting in malnutrition and dehydration, despite no evidence of physical abuse.
The court noted the presence of illicit drugs in Dexter’s system, but the exact dosages could not be determined. Justice Muir emphasized that the neglect leading to Dexter’s death was due to the couple’s decision to consume drugs instead of attending to his needs.
Campbell was rebuked for failing in his duty to provide for Dexter’s essential requirements, highlighting the heartbreaking consequences of their neglectful actions.
