Coroner Investigates Systemic Failures After Girl's Death

A coronial inquest has begun in New South Wales into the circumstances leading up to the death of 10-year-old Bridgette "Biddy" Porter, who was killed in July 2020. The perpetrator, a juvenile referred to as XR under NSW law, was found to have committed the act but was not held criminally responsible due to mental illness and is currently detained in a forensic health facility.

The inquest, presided over by State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan at Lidcombe Coroner's Court, is focused on identifying potential systemic failings and missed opportunities for intervention prior to the incident.

Background and Purpose of the Inquest

The inquest was granted in 2024 by State Coroner Teresa O'Sullivan following a request from Biddy's parents, Rebekah Keukenmeester and Dominic Porter, which was initially denied in 2023.
The purpose of the inquest is to examine the lead-up to the murder and to identify any early warning signs or systemic failings that could help prevent similar deaths. It is not focused on the events of the death itself.
Ten witnesses are expected to give evidence.

"The inquest aims to learn from the incident, not assign blame." – Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Peggy Dwyer SC

Timeline of Events and Key Evidence

June 2019: XR admitted to killing six chickens and placing them in a fire. XR's maternal grandmother described the incident as a sign of crisis and urged XR's mother to seek psychiatric help for XR.
Pre-2020: XR had a known fascination with knives and owned four knives and a tomahawk at the time of the murder.
June 19, 2020: XR made a diary entry containing fantasies about killing people, including family and friends. XR reported seeing "cat's eyes" and hearing a voice telling them to kill. XR stated they committed these acts because "I don't feel real."
Prior to July 8, 2020: XR told their mother they had intrusive thoughts about killing people. XR's mother consulted a naturopath regarding a hormonal imbalance; the naturopath recommended magnesium. XR's mother stated she "never believed in mental health" and that it "was never on my radar."
July 7, 2020 (the day before the incident): XR wanted to play a game called "serial killers" with Biddy and another child. XR's mother suggested renaming the game to "tips." XR's mother did not inform Biddy's parents that Biddy had felt frightened and fell over while being chased.
Before July 8, 2020: A relative booked a doctor's appointment for XR. A GP wrote a referral to a psychiatrist. XR's mother reported she found the referral in her email spam folder only after the inquest began. The psychiatrist appointment was not available before July 8, 2020.
July 8, 2020: A 14-year-old XR killed 10-year-old Biddy Porter on a rural property in New South Wales.

Statements from Relatives and Officials

Counsel Assisting the Coroner, Peggy Dwyer SC: Stated that the inquest aims to learn from the incident, not assign blame. She described Biddy's death as "violent and traumatic" and said the impact on family and friends was "simply incalculable."
Biddy's father, Dominic Porter: Testified he was not concerned about XR's interest in knives or the chicken killings. He described XR's relationship with Biddy as "unreal" and stated he never thought XR could harm anyone.
Biddy's mother, Rebekah Keukenmeester: Said the inquest is uncovering evidence and that Biddy's death could have been prevented if red flags had led to intervention. She expressed hope that the inquest leads to changes to prevent future tragedies.

"Biddy's death could have been prevented if red flags had led to intervention." – Biddy's mother, Rebekah Keukenmeester

XR's mother: Stated she was not aware of the details in XR's diary and expressed regret for not understanding mental health better. She said she "never thought [my child was] going to kill her." She offered an apology to Biddy's parents.
XR's father: Offered an apology to Biddy's parents.

Medical Context

After the murder, XR was diagnosed with schizophrenia. The inquest was told XR was in acute psychosis from schizophrenia at the time of the killing.
XR was found to have committed the act but was not held criminally responsible due to mental illness and is detained in a forensic health facility under the supervision of a mental health review tribunal.

Note on Reporting

Under NSW law, Biddy Porter's name cannot be published without the consent of her parents, who have given permission for its use. The identity of the person who committed the act (referred to as XR) cannot be published under NSW law.