In brief
An empty suitcase discovered near the village of Oallen, about 230km south‑west of Sydney, initially sparked a murder investigation. Forensic testing later revealed the contents were an intricately designed doll, complete with hair, clothing, a nose piercing and markings that mimicked bruises and grazes. The supervisor of the Hume Police District confirmed all protocols were followed and the case was closed. Witnesses who found the suitcase were surprised but praised on reporting the find.
Australian police called in to investigate a body found in a suitcase have concluded that the 'victim' was in fact a lifelike doll.
The suitcase, discovered by two men on the side of a road near Oallen, a small village about 230km (143 miles) south‑west of Sydney, first triggered a murder investigation on Monday.
Hours later police announced a murder investigation but quickly backtracked when forensic testing proved the contents were not human. The item, described as very realistic in terms of looking like human remains, was actually a doll wearing clothing, having hair, a nose piercing and markings resembling bruises and grazes.
Superintendent Linda Bradbury, from the Hume Police District, explained that forensic teams and investigators attended the scene on Sunday and followed all processes, stressing the importance of preserving the integrity of the crime scene. She added she has no regrets about how the case was handled.
Earlier, Bradbury told the media it was a shocking discovery for the two men who found the suitcase, noting they were on a weekend drive for a break and had made the right decision to report the find. The officers were affected yesterday and police will be in touch to let them know that it was not human remains.
Police have now closed their investigations as the denounced lifelike doll has explained the misunderstanding. The case reminds investigators of the need for careful forensic analysis before public announcements.
