(ProsperNews.net) – Child murderer Rick Thorburn, serving a life sentence for killing his 12-year-old foster daughter Tiahleigh Palmer in 2015, was found dead from apparent suicide in his Queensland prison cell, cutting short his decades-long sentence.
At a Glance
- Rick Thorburn, 64, was found unresponsive in his single cell at Woodford Correctional Facility around 10pm, with revival attempts unsuccessful
- Thorburn was serving a life sentence for murdering Tiahleigh Palmer in 2015 to cover up his son Trent’s sexual abuse of the foster child
- All four Thorburn family members were convicted in connection with Tiahleigh’s death and subsequent cover-up
- A 2021 coroner’s report concluded Tiahleigh likely died from choking or asphyxiation, rejecting Thorburn’s claim of accidental death
- Thorburn had previously attempted suicide at least three times while in custody
A Horrific Crime That Shocked Australia
Rick Thorburn’s apparent suicide brings a disturbing conclusion to one of Australia’s most shocking child murder cases. Thorburn was sentenced to life imprisonment for the 2015 murder of his 12-year-old foster daughter, Tiahleigh Palmer. Authorities discovered Thorburn unresponsive in his single-occupancy cell at Woodford Correctional Facility. Despite immediate medical intervention, staff were unable to revive him. The Correctional Services Investigation Unit is now investigating the circumstances of his death, with all prison deaths in Queensland automatically referred to the coroner.
Tiahleigh was placed in the Thorburn family’s care in January 2015. Just months later, on October 29, 2015, Rick Thorburn murdered her. Fishermen discovered her partially clothed, decomposing body on the banks of the Pimpama River in Gold Coast six days after her death. In a shocking display of callousness, Thorburn served as a pallbearer at Tiahleigh’s funeral, maintaining his innocence until authorities charged him with her murder nearly a year later.
The Family Cover-Up
The murder investigation revealed a disturbing family conspiracy. Rick Thorburn killed Tiahleigh to protect his son, Trent, who had sexually abused the girl and feared she might be pregnant. A 2021 inquest into Tiahleigh’s death determined this was the most likely motive for the murder. The coroner also concluded that Tiahleigh probably died from choking or asphyxiation, contradicting Thorburn’s later claim that her death was accidental. The entire Thorburn family participated in concealing the crime.
“completely without remorse” – A 2021 inquest.
The criminal justice system eventually caught up with all four Thorburn family members. Trent Thorburn received a four-year sentence for incest, perjury, and attempting to pervert the course of justice, though he served only 16 months. Joshua Thorburn, Rick’s older son, and Julene Thorburn, Rick’s wife, also received sentences for perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice. Rick Thorburn himself was additionally convicted of 13 unrelated child sex offenses, revealing a pattern of predatory behavior.
Final Hours in Custody
Thorburn’s death occurred in circumstances consistent with suicide, though official confirmation awaits the coroner’s findings. Prison officials discovered him unresponsive in his cell around 10pm. According to prison authorities, staff made immediate efforts to save his life, but these proved unsuccessful. Reports indicate Thorburn had previously attempted suicide at least three times while in custody, suggesting ongoing mental health issues during his incarceration.
“The 64-year-old man was accommodated in a single cell and was found unresponsive at approximately 10pm” – Queensland Corrective Services spokesperson.
Thorburn’s death occurs well before his potential eligibility for parole, which reports variously cited as September 2036 or 2038. His apparent suicide raises questions about mental health monitoring and suicide prevention protocols within the Queensland prison system, particularly for high-profile offenders serving extended sentences. The Correctional Services Investigation Unit will examine whether proper procedures were followed in Thorburn’s case and if any warning signs were overlooked.
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