A girl made a batch of freshly baked brownies for two boys as a peace-offering after she had teased them. But her sweet consolation soon emerged as a sinister gift after she allegedly spiked the brownies with common household cleaners.
Baked goods hiding bad intentions
It’s alleged that the teenager made the brownies in an attempt to apologise for behaving badly towards the two boys. She had teased the two boys, both brothers aged 12 and 13, earlier that day. They are neighbours in Richlands, a suburb west of Brisbane, Australia.
But her teasing escalated into an arrest for attempted murder when she allegedly laced the brownies with poisonous chemicals before crossing the street and offering them to the boys on the last day of the school holidays.
Suspicious smells
The boys’ mother, who would not be named, said one of her sons had eaten one of the girl’s brownies and noticed that they did not smell right:
“They only had one bite, thank goodness,” the boys’ mother said, obviously very relieved, “I’m just glad my younger one, who is seven, didn’t get given one.” She went on to comment that the brownies had an unusual odour, “You could smell it . . . it was very strong.”
Both brothers did not require medical attention after eating the brownies. Police have already charged the 14-year-old girl with attempted murder, administering a poison with intent to harm, and two counts of acts intended to maim.
The mother of the two boys has said that “I’m just horrified by what has happened.” With all the attention that this case has garnered, she has since fixed a sign to the door of the family’s garage that reads: “The boys are OK. “Thank you for your concern. We are unable to comment.”
Signs of poisoning
Poisoning may occur in young children by accident or by their own volition while they are experimenting with different substances during play. Here’s how to spot the symptoms of poisoning in children:
1. Watch for unusual stains around your child’s mouth. This is a sign that he or she has ingested a poisonous substance.
2. Pay attention to symptoms such as sudden rashes, nausea and vomiting.
3. If your child is suddenly drowsy and lethargic it could a sign of gas inhalation, such as carbon monoxide poisoning.
4. Look around for empty containers or opened bottles. You will need to show the staff at the hospital what kind of poison your child has ingested.
5. Call the emergency services immediately.
Source: The Herald