Thorburn to face other charges
POLICE were asked to investigate whether a teenager who lived with Rick Thorburn before he allegedly murdered Tiahleigh Palmer suffered any harm.
The foster carer is facing charges relating to two other girls, aged 4 and 11.
A police spokesman said: “As part of the investigation police have interviewed a number of children who had been at a residence in Chambers Flat. We do not give out information regarding children in care.”
The Thorburns became foster parents in August 2014. Tiahleigh was in their care for 10 months before she was found dead on the banks of the Pimpama River last November. Rick Thorburn, 56, has been charged with the schoolgirl’s murder, while his son Trent has been charged with incest, perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Wife Julene and another son, Josh, have been charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice.
Rick Thorburn came to police attention in April after a complaint was made about his conduct towards two girls, aged 4 and 11. Six days after the complaint was made, police charged him with nine offences relating to both children.
That complaint helped prompt the Government’s decision to hold a review into the foster care and Blue Card system, announced this week.