Father Refused Bail After Death of Three-Year-Old Son in Beenleigh Police Station – Queensland – 27 October 2025

Case Overview
A 24-year-old man accused of causing the death of his three-year-old son following a crash near Stapylton on Queensland’s Gold Coast has been refused bail and will remain behind bars pending further court hearings.

Samuel Ian Paterson, 24, appeared in the Southport Magistrates Court on Monday, October 27, 2025, charged in connection with the death of his son Caden Case, who died in the foyer of the Beenleigh Police Station after being rushed there following a crash on Saturday morning.

Police allege Paterson was driving a white Mazda that lost control and veered into bushland around 5:00 am on October 25. His son sustained fatal head injuries, while the 22-year-old mother and another child, aged one, were passengers in the car.

“The father of a three-year-old boy who died in the foyer of a Queensland police station following a car crash will remain behind bars after being refused bail.” — 9NEWS

Crash Background

• Crash Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 (approximately 5:00 am)
• Location: Near Stapylton, north of the Gold Coast, Queensland
• Vehicle: White Mazda (believed to have veered into bushland)
• Fatality: Three-year-old boy, later identified as Caden Case

After the crash, Paterson allegedly fled the scene with his one-year-old son, leaving behind the mother and Caden, who were later driven to Beenleigh Police Station by a passerby. Caden died soon after arrival despite officers’ attempts to perform CPR.

Police later found Paterson and the younger child at a Beenleigh townhouse complex, and he was arrested later that evening.

Current Charges

• Breaching a **domestic violence order**
• Further charges expected to be laid, including offences related to the crash and the child’s death

Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Mooney confirmed the couple had been previously separated and that a temporary protection order was active since June 2024.

“The two adults have been in a relationship for a number of years, currently separated, and the two children are their children.” — Detective Acting Superintendent Mark Mooney, Queensland Police

Court Details

• Court: Southport Magistrates Court
• Date: Monday, October 27, 2025
• Outcome: Bail refused; defendant remanded in custody
• Next Appearance: Case to return to Beenleigh Magistrates Court next month

Police Investigation
The Queensland Homicide Investigation Unit and Forensic Crash Unit continue to examine:

• The exact sequence of events leading to the crash near Stapylton.
• The circumstances of the child’s fatal injuries and the actions of the driver afterward.
• Evidence linked to the alleged breach of the domestic violence order.
• Witness statements and dashcam footage from motorists on the M1 and surrounding areas between 4:30 am and 5:30 am on October 25.

Police have confirmed that additional charges may be forthcoming once forensic and crash analysis is complete.

Community and Legal Impact
The case has drawn statewide attention and renewed focus on Queensland’s domestic violence and child protection frameworks. Premier David Crisafulli described the tragedy as “traumatic for every individual involved,” including police who tried to save the boy’s life.

Domestic violence support groups have since reiterated the importance of early intervention and compliance with protection orders.

If you or someone you know is affected by family or domestic violence, contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or the Men’s Referral Service (1300 766 491). In an emergency, call 000.

Appeal for Information
Queensland Police continue to urge anyone with information about the crash or the events leading up to it to contact:

• Policelink: Report online via [www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting](https://www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting) or call 131 444
• Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online at [www.crimestoppersqld.com.au](https://www.crimestoppersqld.com.au)