February 27, 2026

Carter Capner Law monitors accidents involving cars, motorcycles, trucks, busses, cyclists and trams throughout Australia to spotlight safety issues of concern to our clients and to demonstrate those situations in which they may have a right to an insurance or compensation recovery. We act for drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians. Call today on 1300 529 529 or click here to reach Carter Capner Law. Click on Client Showcase to view our history of road accident compensation claims.

Incident Overview
A three-year-old boy died after a family car left the roadway and crashed into bushland at Stapylton, north of the Gold Coast. Queensland Police allege the child’s parents have since been charged with manslaughter following a four-month investigation.

Location and Time

  • Crash Date: Friday, 25 October 2025 (about 5am)
  • Location: Stapylton, QLD

Vehicles Involved

  • White Mazda (family car) that allegedly veered off the road and crashed into bushland

Injuries/Fatalities

  • Fatalities:
    • Three-year-old Caden Case, passenger, taken to Beenleigh Police Station after suffering critical head injuries and later died
  • Injuries:
    • Aneshia Daisy Case, 22 at the time, occupant, transported to Beenleigh Police Station by a witness (injury details not further stated)
    • One-year-old boy, occupant, uninjured; later taken to hospital for assessment and cleared

Emergency Response

  • A witness stopped and transported the injured toddler and his mother to Beenleigh Police Station.
  • The one-year-old child was later taken to hospital for assessment and was cleared.
  • Any road closures or traffic diversions were not stated.

Police Investigation
Police said the investigation was complex and involved forensic crash reconstruction and analysis of physical evidence, CCTV and digital enquiries to determine who was driving at the time of impact. Investigations remain ongoing.

  • Police allege Aneshia Daisy Case, now 23, was driving and has been charged with manslaughter (domestic violence offence against a child), trafficking in dangerous drugs, driving without a licence and possessing items used in the commission of a crime.
  • Samuel Ian Paterson, 24, has been charged with manslaughter (domestic violence offence against a child) and trafficking in dangerous drugs; he had previously been in custody on related matters including alleged breach of bail.
  • Paterson appeared in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday via video link; the matter was adjourned until 30 March.
  • Case’s manslaughter charge was mentioned separately in Brisbane Magistrates Court on Friday; she did not appear and the matter was remanded until Monday.

Community Impact
The death of the three-year-old has prompted strong community and family reaction, with the child’s relatives publicly disputing allegations following earlier court proceedings.

Appeal for Information
Police have urged anyone with relevant information, including CCTV or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash, to come forward.

  • Crime Stoppers QLD: Call 1800 333 000 or report online.
  • Policelink: Call 131 444.