BREAKING: New court details reveal the horrific conditions leading to the death of an infant in Raceview, Queensland. On June 21, 2019, police responded to a desperate call from Natalie Jade Whitehead, who reported that her baby, Dexter Wilton, aged just 8½ months, was “completely gone.”
When emergency responders arrived 12 minutes later, they discovered a unit in disarray, littered with animal feces and dirty dishes. The horrifying scene included two cots in Dexter’s room, one used for storage, and food scraps scattered throughout. Investigators later confirmed Dexter had been dead for 21 hours before his parents checked on him.
On October 25, 2023, Andrew William Campbell, now 45, was sentenced to 8½ years in prison for his role in the manslaughter of Dexter, alongside Whitehead, who was sentenced to 9 years in October 2022. Both parents pleaded guilty to charges of failing to provide the necessities of life and negligent acts causing harm.
During the court proceedings, Supreme Court Justice Catherine Muir detailed the appalling neglect. Dexter was last seen alive the night before he died, placed in his cot with a single bottle of milk, while his parents continued their drug use unchecked. Justice Muir highlighted that the couple failed to care for Dexter, who suffered from severe malnutrition and dehydration.
The judge’s statements revealed the shocking reality of their neglect, stating, “You caused the death of Dexter by failing to provide the necessities of human life.” Campbell’s actions were described as particularly egregious, as he attempted to cover up the situation by disposing of evidence with the help of neighbors.
In a tragic twist, just days before his death, Dexter had been in a healthy state while under the care of a relative. Upon his return, however, he displayed clear signs of severe neglect, including a painful nappy rash and lack of nourishment. Following Dexter’s death, a post-mortem determined he had not experienced any significant physical harm, but his condition was dire.
The court also revealed that Campbell had a history of violence, having strangled Whitehead twice after Dexter’s death, demonstrating a pattern of abusive behavior. While Campbell has since entered a new relationship and expresses a desire to assist his mother, the impact of Dexter’s tragic death continues to resonate.
Both parents are now eligible for parole, with Whitehead’s release set for June 2025, and Campbell’s for September 2026. The heartbreaking circumstances of Dexter’s death serve as a grim reminder of parental responsibility and the consequences of neglect.
This developing story raises critical questions about child welfare and the need for vigilance in protecting vulnerable children. As the community grapples with this tragedy, further details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Stay tuned for updates on this urgent case.
