Mother Charged with Stabbing 3-Year-Old Daughter Shared Alarming Social Media Posts: 'Train Like It's War'

Lauren Ingrid Flanigan, 32, has been charged with the murder of her three-year-old daughter after police discovered the child's body at a residence on Regency Rd in Moore Park Beach, Queensland, around 4:45 PM on Monday.

Flanigan did not appear in Bundaberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning, where her case was briefly mentioned and subsequently adjourned until July, according to reports. Meanwhile, two other children found at the home were unharmed and are now under the care of family members.

Acting Superintendent Brad Inskip confirmed that a knife was recovered from the scene, describing the situation as “horrific” and “a terrible incident for everybody involved,” including emergency responders. He noted that multiple triple-0 calls had been made regarding the incident.

When questioned about whether Flanigan had made any statements suggesting divine inspiration for her actions, Superintendent Inskip refrained from confirming specifics, stating, “I can’t confirm that; they’re details I’m not prepared to go into.” He acknowledged that mental health considerations would be part of the ongoing investigation.

In the days leading up to her arrest, Flanigan posted several messages on social media that have raised eyebrows. One post declared, “Train like it’s war — because it is,” while another proclaimed her identity as a “warrior of light.” These posts included calls to action against domestic violence and encouragement for mothers to pursue digital work opportunities.

“God is calling His army out of hiding,” she wrote in a post just two days before the incident, urging followers to remember their worth and resist fear. Her profile description emphasizes themes of faith, family, and empowerment, inviting others to engage with her content.

Queensland Police have assured the public that there is no ongoing threat to the community as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the child's death. Chief Inspector Grant Marcus described the event as a “horrendous tragedy,” emphasizing the urgency with which police responded to the multiple emergency calls.

It is important to note that this case is unrelated to the ongoing search for 17-year-old Pheobe Bishop, who disappeared under suspicious circumstances while traveling to Bundaberg Airport from Gin Gin last week. The search for Pheobe remains active as authorities continue their efforts.