4 year old girl thrown from Bridge dies in Melbourne

**AussieMum** · January 29th, 2009, 12:14 AM

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...67-421,00.html

A GIRL thrown from Melbourne's West Gate Bridge this morning has died.

A Royal Children's Hospital spokeswoman said the four-year-old died at 1.35pm (AEDT).

Police say a 36-year-old Hawthorn man, believed to be the father of the girl, has been charged with murder and will face the Melbourne Magistrates' Court later today.

The Herald Sun reports the girl was pulled from the water by water police at about 9.30am after apparently being thrown 58 metres from the bridge. She suffered massive internal injuries.

This is the first article I've posted so I hope I've done it correctly.
I drive over this bridge regularly, its really hit home for me.

**sanityslipping** · January 29th, 2009, 12:25 AM

You've done it right, as far as I can tell. Please keep us updated on this. I can't fathom why a father would throw a little girl off of a bridge. It's not even a case of I was high, and the baby was crying and I "accidently" beat her to death. Those are tragic, but you understand, to a point, of how it happened, and with this, I am completely at a loss. How could you toss a child into icy waters?

**Just my luck sucks** · January 29th, 2009, 01:53 AM

RIP darling little Darcy.

Your brothers will miss you. I'm so sorry your short little life ended at the hands of the very person that should have given his own soul to save and protect you.

**AussieMum** · January 29th, 2009, 02:36 AM

UPDATE: MAN accused of throwing his daughter off the West Gate Bridge was not in a fit psychiatric state to face court today.

Arthur Phillip Freeman, 35, of Hawthorn, remained in the cells during a brief Melbourne Magistrates' Court hearing late this afternoon.

The court was told he was in an "acute psychiatric state" and there were concerns that he was suicidal. He was remanded in custody to reappear in court in May.

Police sought the assistance of a medical officer, who deemed that Mr Freeman was unfit for interview.

Premier John Brumby has joined the chorus of people shocked by the death of Darcey Freeman, 4, at the West Gate Bridge today.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...67-661,00.html

**Unamused Cat** · January 29th, 2009, 09:27 PM

The murdering father left a note at home.

A HAND-written note in the home of a father accused of murdering his little girl by throwing her off the West Gate Bridge spoke of "keeping a clear head".

"You have a big fight on your hands and by no stretch of the imagination will it be easy," says the note on the TV in the Hawthorn home of Arthur Phillip Freeman, 35.

http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/s...rom=public_rss

**Sister Iroz** · January 29th, 2009, 09:32 PM

OMG, I'm physically ill right now. He is a sick FUCK!

A MAN charged with the murder of his daughter, whom he allegedly threw off Melbourne's West Gate Bridge, did not appear in court today because he was deemed suicidal.

Arthur Freeman, 36, was expected to appear in the Melbourne Magistrate's Court for a filing hearing, but the court heard he was unfit to be interviewed by police.

Mr Freeman was in an acute psychiatric state and there were concerns he may harm himself, the court heard.

Mr Freeman was arrested outside the Federal Court in Melbourne about 10.30am (AEDT).

A Royal Children's Hospital spokeswoman said Mr Freeman's daughter, named Darcy, died at 1.35pm.

Darcy was pulled from the water by police at about 9.30am after allegedly being thrown 58m from the bridge at 9.10am.

Mr Freeman was arrested after security staff noticed him standing in the foyer with his two sons, aged seven and 23 months.

Police were called and several officers arrested Mr Freeman, who offered no resistance.

Just before he was taken away, he asked security guards to look after his children.

At the time of his arrest, police had no indication Mr Freeman was connected to the West Gate Bridge incident.

Paramedic team manager Trevor Weston said paramedics worked on Darcy for almost an hour.

"Paramedics worked for about 50 minutes at the scene and the child was then conveyed to the Royal Children's Hospital," Mr Weston said.

She was airlifted to the Royal Children's Hospital in a critical condition with massive internal injuries.

Homicide squad Det-Insp Steve Clark said Mr Freeman's sons may have been in the car with him on the bridge.

He said the girl's mother, Peta Freeman, had been informed and was with police.

"She's currently assisting police the best she can in terrible, terrible circumstances," he said.

Det-Insp Clark said a number of witnesses had already come forward and were being interviewed by police.

**Sister Iroz** · January 29th, 2009, 09:40 PM

VICTORIA'S Premier said he would do all he could to speed up the installation of safety barriers on Melburne's West Gate Bridge after a girl was allegedly thrown off it by her father yesterday.

The debate over the suicide prevention barriers intensified yesterday after Arthur Phillip Freeman, 35, was accused of murdering his little girl, the Herald Sun reported.

Premier John Brumby said the state Government held emergency talks with VicRoads yesterday in the wake of the tragedy and plans for the barriers were already being drawn up.

"We are committed to putting in place the safety barriers on the bridge, we will do anything humanly possible to speed this up," he told ABC radio.

"When we commited to the bridge project we had a long discussion about the issue of the safety barriers. There has been a difference of opinion about whether this is the right thing to do. We received different advice about it."

A shell-shocked Mr Brumby said he "just shuddered" when he heard about the tragedy.

A handwritten note found in the home of Mr Freeman yesterday spoke of "keeping a clear head". "You have a big fight on your hands and by no stretch of the imagination will it be easy," the note read.

Mr Freeman was arrested after Darcey Iris Freeman, 4, died in a tragedy that left a young family destroyed and the nation in shock.

Doctors and paramedics fought to save the little girl but she died from massive internal injuries about four hours after she was pulled from the river by water police. It is alleged she had plunged nearly 60m.

Mr Freeman was too mentally disturbed to appear in court late yesterday, which was told he was on suicide watch. The Hawthorn IT consultant was remanded in custody until May 21.

He was scheduled to deliver his children to school and creche yesterday morning, and when they did not arrive his wife raised the alarm. Mrs Freeman was in the care of relatives last night.

A day of tragedy started about 9.10am AEDT, when a white 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser allegedly stopped on the inbound side of the West Gate, in peak hour traffic.

Horrified motorists who saw a girl dropped over the edge stopped their cars and frantically scanned the river below.

Darcey was pulled unconscious from the water, close to the western bank of the river. Paramedics spent about 50 minutes resuscitating her before she was flown to the Royal Children's Hospital in a critical condition.

Just over an hour later, Mr Freeman was detained after he was seen pacing in a distressed state in the foyer of the Commonwealth Law Courts building in William St. His two sons, Benjamin, 6, and Jack, 2, were trailing behind him.

Worried security staff called paramedics and police when he did not respond to their questions. At one point he approached security staff and said "can you take my kids for me". Mr Freeman offered no resistance when he was arrested.

A white Land Cruiser was found parked nearby. A child booster seat was in the back seat, along with children's toys and clothing. Darcey was pronounced dead at 1.35pm with her mother at her bedside.

http://www.news.com.au/story/0,27574...47-421,00.html

**AussieMum** · January 30th, 2009, 02:22 PM

A WITNESS to the West Gate Bridge horror may have saved the lives of Darcey Freeman's two brothers.

It was revealed yesterday that a woman got out of her car and ran shouting at the little girl's father, Arthur Freeman, as he allegedly dropped her from the top of the bridge.

Police believe her intervention may have averted a triple tragedy.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hawthorn: Police probe home
Nightmare:Torment for Darcey's rescuers
Grief: World mourns for lost girl
Barriers: U-turn on West Gate
Video: Animated view of bridge safety barriers
Lasting tributes: Honour the memory of Darcey Freeman
Video: Bridge tragedy | Pictures: West Gate Bridge horror

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The two boys, aged six and two, were sitting in their father's car as their terrified sister was carried towards the bridge rail, nearly 60m above the water.

Witnesses are believed to have told police four-year-old Darcey appeared to be rigid with fear and was "clinging on for dear life".

Mr Freeman, 35, is alleged by witnesses to have dropped her over the edge then stepped up to watch her fall.

Several cars are believed to have stopped and up to 10 people may have witnessed the horrifying scene just after 9am on Thursday.

It is alleged Mr Freeman got back in his white Toyota Land Cruiser and drove off after the woman ran at him.

He was arrested just over an hour later when he was found in a distressed state with his two sons in the foyer of the Commonwealth Law Courts building in William St.

The theory that Mr Freeman may have planned to kill all three children is understood to have been strengthened by a chilling telephone call about the time of Darcey's fatal fall.

Police sources confirmed the conversation between Mr Freeman and his estranged wife, Peta, but would not discuss what was said.

It is understood Darcey's mother and grandparents were waiting for her to arrive for her first day at school.

Neighbours of Arthur Freeman's parents in Geelong were shocked by Darcey's death.

Whittington resident John Elliott said he had known Mr Freeman since he was a child, and that his children had played with his own children last week.

"They played in the back yard together, just recently -- the other day," he said.

"They were a normal family. As a kid I used to go over there and play, but not a great deal."

Mr Elliott said his four-year-old son had been sheltered from the news that his former playmate had died.

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...80-661,00.html

I really had hoped that Darcy's finally moments had been thinking this was a game. But sadly it seems she understood what was about to happen.
I can't believe this happened.

**chatdenuit** · January 30th, 2009, 02:30 PM

Mr Freeman -Next time, leave the kids in the car and throw yourself in, you POS idiot! Boy I'm really glad that witness did what she did. She probably did save the boys!

**DarkPrincess** · January 30th, 2009, 02:40 PM

I'm having my usual thought here. Save the tax payers money and let him off himself.

**Silvahalo** · January 30th, 2009, 03:22 PM

The debate over the suicide prevention barriers intensified yesterday after Arthur Phillip Freeman, 35, was accused of murdering his little girl, the Herald Sun reported.

Premier John Brumby said the state Government held emergency talks with VicRoads yesterday in the wake of the tragedy and plans for the barriers were already being drawn up.

But you know, if he was hell bent on kill his child(ren), he would have done it another way...bridge or no bridge. And what's there to debate on the bridge barriers?

I do think he was likely going to kill all the children, I'm so glad that women ran out there yelling at him and stopped the process....just can't fathom.

Aussiemum, I'm with you, I hope she didn't realize, but based on the witnesses assessment, I'm rather sure she knew what daddy was doing. Lord-Christ, I just can't fathom. Sweet little one...her last moments filled with the worst horrors imaginable to her innocent mind...daddy, the one who she loved was about to kill her.

Rest in peace sweet Darcey Iris, you were the light of life....
Your brothers and mum will miss you dearly. Kisses little one.

**Pete Bondurant** · January 30th, 2009, 04:41 PM

4 year old girl thrown from Bridge dies in Melbourne

This is a common form of birth-control among the Australians....usually they simply accuse dingo's of running off with them.

**DarkPrincess** · January 30th, 2009, 06:19 PM

Originally Posted by Pete Bondurant

This is a common form of birth-control among the Australians....usually they simply accuse dingo's of running off with them.

More plausible than the usual American story of "the bathtub did it."

**AussieMum** · February 1st, 2009, 05:31 AM

I drove across the bridge today as I've done so many times before... but this time I shed some tears for poor little Darcy. It was really quite eerie, my children were in the back of my car, probably much like Darcy was. It wouldn't even enter my mind to just stop and toss them over the edge.

I hope she is playing happily with the angels and watching over her brothers and mummy.

I, like so many other Melbournians, are in shock this happened. Gosh, I feel so sad.

**horsegirl** · February 2nd, 2009, 03:35 PM

Originally Posted by DarkPrincess

More plausible than the usual American story of "the bathtub did it."

Or the English stories of "Swarthy Abductors"

**Morgana** · February 3rd, 2009, 04:41 PM

This story really bothers me. I have a 4 year old. She knew and she was scared and clinging on. When she was thrown she knew it, she seen it, she felt it...she doesn't know why daddy is hurting her and where her mommy is...I can't do this right now. I'm crying I'm at work, its so busy here and I am taken aback with pain anger and sorrow. I don't know what to do with my thoughts, becaus they don't matter this already happened she is dead and her brothers awaited their death and seen hers and they are somewhere as their mommy is, with no Darcey, crying ...I am crying with them.............................................. .....

When I can lift my head again, I will curse the heavens and wish that fucker dead....everyday!

**Ceffy** · February 6th, 2009, 05:28 AM

Originally Posted by Morgana

This story really bothers me. I have a 4 year old. She knew and she was scared and clinging on. When she was thrown she knew it, she seen it, she felt it...she doesn't know why daddy is hurting her and where her mommy is...I can't do this right now. I'm crying I'm at work, its so busy here and I am taken aback with pain anger and sorrow. I don't know what to do with my thoughts, becaus they don't matter this already happened she is dead and her brothers awaited their death and seen hers and they are somewhere as their mommy is, with no Darcey, crying ...I am crying with them.............................................. .....

When I can lift my head again, I will curse the heavens and wish that fucker dead....everyday!

<3 for you. I feel your pain on this one. I too have a four year old little girl. So precious.
Before she got too big, I used to lift her under the arms and spin her with her legs flying out and her little hands holding on tight. When I read this story, I could feel my daughter's tight grip on me and wanted to throw up. How could he feel her grip on his chest or arms and not changed his idiot mind?

**Morgana** · February 6th, 2009, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Ceffy

<3 for you. I feel your pain on this one. I too have a four year old little girl. So precious.
Before she got too big, I used to lift her under the arms and spin her with her legs flying out and her little hands holding on tight. When I read this story, I could feel my daughter's tight grip on me and wanted to throw up. How could he feel her grip on his chest or arms and not changed his idiot mind?

I think that too, how my angel holds on so so tight when nervous or scared about something, I could not imagine how this child's fear was and he put her over, pried her off and then looked down at her as she must of looked up at him screaming and crying out her last breaths....FUCKFUCKFUCK...........(Pause)
crying again..
I can't tell you how horrible this crime was to his daughter. The love lost in the air and all protection and love ripped fom you by your daddy as he is killing you and no one can help you as you fall endlessly to the unkown depths from a bridge to start your day, what should of been your FIRST day of school that you probably looked forward to...and mommy couldn't save you and you don't understand and you've looked in your daddy's eyes and he doesn't love you anymore today.
How in the fuck didn't anyone jump in for her. not that it would of helped but I would jump off any ledge into water to be closer to that child and get them.(well I was a lifeguard..) who could watch that and sleep at night.
Oh baby girl, I'm so sorry for you. RIP if you can, if you can..

**Ceffy** · February 7th, 2009, 08:21 AM

I know. I am horrified all over again after even thinking about this little girl. I don't know how witnesses stopped themselves from throwing him over.

I very rarely cry over these stories but this one has done it for me. It steals the breath from my lungs.

ETA: Morgana, If you do not write for a living, you should. You have a way of describing things that makes pictures in the air.

**Ceffy** · February 10th, 2009, 06:56 AM

http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sto...006922,00.html

Found this link with Darcy's picture in it.

**Dakota Valkyrie** · February 10th, 2009, 07:41 AM

[...]
In an interview yesterday, Tim Barnes [uncle] said: "Even though she was only four, she was determined and strong-willed.

"She knew her own mind and was prepared to always stand up for what she believed in. One memory that stands out in my mind was her choice of clothes.

"She would wear what she wanted to wear, end of story - even if it meant wearing pink wellington boots to tennis."
[...]

**Shizz** · February 10th, 2009, 11:23 AM

Oh my god, this is absolutely gut-wrenching.

I too have a 4 year-old, precious girl and it literally brings tears to my eyes connecting with this case. AussieMum it must feel so strange going over that bridge. I am so sorry for the family of sweet Darcy.

What kind of vile, miserable person could do this?????

**Just my luck sucks** · February 11th, 2009, 02:36 PM

AussieMum-- any updates from your part of the world? Has he said why he did such a horrible thing?

**Morgana** · February 11th, 2009, 08:50 PM

I read an update that the father has made absolutely no statement at all. He's still in psych.

**wheresthebeef** · February 11th, 2009, 10:34 PM

I feel horrible for the other children. They just lost their father and sister in one day. And then to have to witness it first hand. So heart wrenching.

**AussieMum** · February 12th, 2009, 05:01 AM

We have horrendous bush fires surrounding us at the moment.

No further news on poor darling Darcy. Our nightly news segment has been extended all week from half hour to an hour and most of it is the fires.
If you pray, please include Victoria in your prayers. So far 181 people are confirmed dead in the fires. Babies, children, women, men. It's just horrendous and many fires are still raging out of control. Arson is suspected in several areas. Whole country towns have been destroyed with perhaps one or two buildings left standing.
I had family battling the fires in one region, 4 friends of theirs losts their homes. A family I know died in another region, parents with 3 young children. I didn't know them well but the lost is just devastating.

I'm sorry Darcy for talking about all of this in your thread.

**Marv** · October 7th, 2009, 04:15 PM

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worl...doll-fell.html

A girl of four allegedly thrown from a bridge by her father looked like a 'rag doll' as she went over the side and plunged more than 180ft to her death, a court heard today.

A witness told how he saw 'hair and limbs' as Darcey Freeman was 'tipped' from the side by jobless Arthur Freeman.

Before the incident Freeman, 36, who today appeared at Melbourne Magistrates Court, Australia, charged with murder, allegedly phoned his estranged wife and told her she should 'say goodbye to your children’.

Prosecutor Gavin Silbert said the former computer programmer then drove his three children towards the city centre, a route which required crossing the Westgate Bridge.

Before he arrived at the landmark, which spans the Yarra River, he is said to have asked Darcey to climb into the front seat of their car.

Freeman then stopped his car, grabbed the little girl, got out of the stationary vehicle and threw her into the water, said Mr Silbert.

Witness Ollie Nelson said: 'Very clear in my mind is seeing hair and limbs as the child left the hands of the person in question.

'She appeared almost lifeless and there was no struggle or screaming. She was like a rag doll'.

Mr Nelson, the only person who approached the father, said Freeman had 'a completely neutral face. It was as if he was just going about his business.
[...]

Mr Silbert said Freeman stopped temporarily when asked to do so by his young son Ben.

'He asked him to go back to get Darcey because she could not swim,' said the prosecutor.

[...]

Police recovered Darcey's body from water below the bridge and despite frantic efforts by paramedics she was declared dead in hospital.

Darcey Freeman

Arthur Freeman

**carolinablue** · October 7th, 2009, 04:19 PM

kill him. never ever dreamed i'd say that. just kill him. no trial, no waiting. just kill him.

**ineedanap** · October 7th, 2009, 04:54 PM

Pssst....

http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/s...hlight=freeman

**Marv** · October 7th, 2009, 05:05 PM

Originally Posted by ineedanap

Pssst....

http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/s...hlight=freeman

Thanks ineeda! I did a search with 'Freeman' and 'Melbourne', and the childs and fathers first names, but nothing was found. I must have done it wrong!