Manhunt ramps up for man accused of throwing hot coffee on baby

During a midday outing on August 27, 2024, at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner, an unsettling incident occurred when an unidentified man poured coffee on Baby Luka while he was picnicking with his mother.

A baby boy is in hospital recovering from a horrific burns after a stranger poured hot coffee over his head in a Brisbane park. The infant, who cannot be identified under Queensland law as a child victim of crime, has suffered burns to his face and chest. The nine-month old and his mother were ambushed as they were enjoying a picnic at Hanlon Park in Stones Corner at about midday yesterday.
The baby boy needed four surgeries for burns to his face, arms and legs. (9News)

Despite the passage of 18 months without any arrests, a significant development has emerged: Chinese officials are now being dispatched to Brisbane to aid in the ongoing investigation.

China’s Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has confirmed that a team of investigators from China will be traveling to Queensland’s capital to collaborate with Australian law enforcement.

“A working group from China will be visiting Brisbane to conduct an investigation, aiming to uncover the details and circumstances surrounding the event,” Ambassador Xiao stated.

The police have alleged that the 33-year-old suspect committed the act before catching a flight from Sydney to China.

Ambassador Xiao also noted the cooperation between Australian officials and their Chinese counterparts in addressing this case.

Intensified Search Underway for Suspect Accused of Assaulting Infant with Hot Coffee
Police have released this image of a man they believe poured hot coffee over a baby in a Brisbane park. (Queensland Police Service)

“We are serious in taking the necessary actions as a follow-up,” he added.

The nine-month-old underwent four surgeries for burns to his face, arms and legs.

“This was a horrible incident that happened almost a year ago, it struck our investigators pretty hard,” Chelepy said.

“I give credit to those investigators, they’re still working very hard on this, this isn’t something we’ve parked in the corner, this is a very serious offence, and they’re working hard on it.

“What I can say is we’re still working with our international partners to progress this matter, and to get a resolution here.”

Chelepy could not confirm if Australian investigators had been sent to China.

There is no extradition treaty in place between Australia and China.

However, authorities have said China can prosecute its citizens for conduct which occurred outside China.

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