The Tragedy of Baby Soul: Inquest Examines Non-Accidental Death
More than a decade after the death of 16-week-old Soul Mathew Turany, a coroner’s inquest is uncovering the harrowing details of the infant’s final hours. The proceedings have brought to light the extent of the “abusive head trauma” the child suffered and the police investigation that narrowed the suspects down to the only two adults with access to the baby at the time of the assault.
The Fatal Injuries
Medical evidence presented during the inquest reveals a brutal scene. Soul Mathew Turany suffered catastrophic injuries that were determined to be non-accidental. The evidence shows that the infant’s skull was broken in two separate places, resulting in significant bleeding in one eye and extensive hemorrhaging across a vast tract of his brain.
By the time he arrived at the hospital, the right side of the baby’s brain was covered in blood. These injuries are consistent with abusive head trauma, a diagnosis that indicates the injuries were caused by violent shaking or impact rather than an accident.
The Investigation and Primary Suspects
Detective Superintendent Darryl Sweeney, the officer in charge of the investigation, testified that the evidence points to a very small pool of suspects. According to RNZ, police are satisfied that no third party could have inflicted the injuries, as scene examinations ruled out outside intruders.
Sweeney stated there are only “two sensible possibilities” for who committed the assault:
- Storme Turany: The baby’s mother, who has maintained her innocence.
- Tony Farmer: Turany’s then-boyfriend.
The timeline of events began on August 30, 2014, when emergency services were called to a rural home near Darfield. Storme Turany, her sister Skye Lamborn, neighbor Natasha Brougham, and Tony Farmer all expressed concern regarding the baby’s breathing and general health. Soul was flown to Christchurch Hospital, where he died early the following day, August 31.
Understanding the Role of the Coroner’s Inquest
While the physical cause of death—abusive head trauma—is well-established, the “how” and “who” remain unanswered. Because no criminal charges were filed, the legal process has shifted to a coroner’s inquest.
An inquest is a judicial fact-finding inquiry. Unlike a criminal trial, its primary purpose is not to assign legal blame or determine criminal liability, but to establish the facts surrounding a death. The coroner seeks to answer four fundamental questions: who died, when they died, where they died, and by what means they died. The findings of an inquest can provide closure for families and, in some instances, trigger reports to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Key Takeaways
- Victim: Soul Mathew Turany, a 16-week-old infant.
- Cause of Death: Non-accidental abusive head trauma, including a skull broken in two places and extensive brain bleeding.
- Timeline: Hospitalized August 30, 2014; died August 31, 2014.
- Investigation: Police ruled out third-party involvement, identifying the mother and her partner as the only individuals with access to the child.
- Legal Status: No criminal charges were laid; the matter is currently being addressed through a coroner’s inquest.
Frequently Asked Questions
The provided evidence indicates that while police are satisfied the death was non-accidental and narrowed the suspects to two people, the specific evidence required for a criminal conviction—which requires proof “beyond a reasonable doubt”—may not have been met at the time.
The coroner will release a final report detailing the circumstances of the death. While the inquest itself cannot sentence someone to prison, its findings become part of the official public record regarding the death of the child.