Over the weekend a coronial inquest began to further investigate William Tyrrell’s disappearance and presumed death as well as the theory his foster mother—who cannot be named for legal reasons—allegedly disposed of his body.
The inquest saw recordings played from phone conversations she had with a friend in 2021 whereby she spoke about the police operation to find the then three-year-old’s body, stating it “wasted millions and millions of dollars and… got nothing.”
“People are dying, people who might know are dying,” she said.
Per the Sydney Morning Herald, she also said that William’s skeleton would be found in “forty years when they are doing clearing.”
During the 2021 Crime Commission, Sophie Callan SC, quizzed the woman over William’s disappearance, asking why she didn’t call triple zero or her husband as soon as she realised the toddler was missing.
“I don’t know … I thought that maybe William had walked off and that [the foster father] may have seen him on the road and may have picked him up,” she told the commission in 2021.
“I panicked. ‘Where is he?’ I don’t know where he is.
“I cannot give you an explanation as to why I didn’t call him, I don’t know why.”
If you’re confused by what’s happening, you’re not alone. Here’s what we know about the William Tyrrell case and the new developments.
What Happened To William Tyrrell?
William Tyrrell disappeared from his foster grandmother’s home in Kendall on the New South Wales north coast in September 2014.
It was originally reported he was playing in the yard with his sister, 5, when he disappeared between 10:00 and 10:25 in the morning while his grandmother went indoors to make some tea.
After reportedly looking for Tyrrell, William’s foster mother called emergency services to report the disappearance at 10:57am.
The toddler, who would now be 13, is presumed dead by investigators. Authorities also previously alleged they “knew” the body was dumped in bushland near to the grandmother’s house.
In late 2021, the Strike Force Rosann squad spent more than four weeks searching bushland and creeks near to the grandmother’s home. They also dug up parts of the yard. No remains have been found.
2023: New Details On The William Tyrrell Case Revealed
A break in the case came nine years after William Tyrell, then three years old, went missing from his New South Wales home.
In June 2023, detectives alleged William’s foster mother, tampered with evidence and obstructed justice in an attempt to conceal his death, and recommended charges be laid. They did not believe she was responsible for his death.
In a brief presented to the Department of Public Prosecutions at the time, detectives from Strike Force Rosann — tasked with investigating Tyrrell’s disappearance — alleged William died as the result of an accident, and his foster mother allegedly covered up the death by hiding the body.
William’s foster mother maintained she has nothing to do with William’s disappearance.
What Did William Tyrrell’s Foster Mother Do?
Police allege William’s foster mother concealed evidence by hiding his body after he fell from a balcony to his death.
Police have alleged she hid the body in bushland nearby the Kendall home, and subsequently covered up his death.
Details of how Tyrrell is presumed to have died have not been made public.
William’s foster mother released a statement through her lawyers, asking police to reveal any evidence they have against her.
“The foster mother and her legal representatives call for disclosure of the evidence which police suggest forms the basis of any criminal proceedings,” Marsdens Law Group said in a statement.
“To date, William’s body has never been found.
“The foster mother has always, and maintains, she has nothing to do with William’s disappearance. She desperately urges the police to resume the investigation into finding out what happened to William.”
Has William Tyrrell’s Foster Mother Been Charged?
Not at present. The inquest into William’s death is due to resume in December.
Police will apply to the deputy state coroner to recall William’s foster mother to the stand.
This article originally appeared on Marie Claire Australia and is republished here with permission.
