Richard Neville Thorburn, 56, has been accused of murdering Logan schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer and dumping her body in a river. Police have refused to formally confirm reports he swallowed pills.
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Rick has been charged with murder and interfering with a corpse, Josh and Julene have been charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice and Trent has been charged with incest, perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
New allegations in the increasingly disturbing case emerged in a Queensland courtroom on Wednesday, as police prosecutors referred to a series of Facebook messages allegedly revealing Trent feared he had impregnated his young foster sister.
The court heard Trent admitted to having sex with Tiahleigh via Facebook Messenger shortly before her disappearance and said he was anxious she might be pregnant.
Thorburn, who retired from trucking with a back injury, said both his sons had helped him operate the van on weekends at Logan community events since the business began in February past year.
Police said Mr Thorburn will appear in court on Wednesday.
Mr Thorburn’s defence lawyer John Ide argued he should have been granted bail on charges including incest considering his age, lack of criminal history and potential time behind bars awaiting trial.
It is alleged the family all lied to authorities to cover up Tia’s death.
His wife, Julene, 54, and 20-year-old son Josh have each been charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Her foster parents Rick and Julene Thorburn were arrested this morning.
The QFCC review was initially sparked following the disappearance and death of 12-year-old Tiahleigh.
Trent Thorburn poses with a dog for a photo posted to Instagram.
Cindy Palmer arrives at the Beenleigh Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Ellen French told the court: “The victim was put in care and protection of the defendant and his family”.
Another supporter, who didn’t know the family, said she was “disillusioned” with the government’s handling of children in care.
A vehicle seized in the investigation into the killing of Logan schoolgirl Tiahleigh Palmer belonged to her foster carer, police have confirmed. He abused his position as big brother and took advantage of her.
Tiahleigh’s biological mother has asked to be left alone, Inspector Hansen said.
“[They] were the carers of Tiahleigh, the people who were intrusted (sic) where her care and wellbeing, the same carers who are publicly selling up everything they own”.
The arrests came days after Palmer’s biological mother, Cindy, expressed frustration at both the progress of the investigation and being kept in the dark about it.
Former foster carers Cameron and Wayne Pemberton speak to media outside court.
“A 56-year-old man was transported from the Beenleigh Watch House to the Princess Alexandra hospital yesterday after falling ill”, she said.
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Foster Care Queensland executive director Bryan Smith said the present foster carer vetting process was “very sound”.
