Prosecutors have dropped a manslaughter charge against a father after his young son died from a snakebite.
Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that Kerrod James Frahm, from Murgon in Queensland’s South Burnett region, has been cleared of the charges, almost three years after the tragic death of 11-year-old Tristian.
Police allege Frahm, 33, was negligent in his son’s death after failing to seek medical attention after Tristian claimed he was bitten by a snake when the couple were staying at a friend’s house on November 20, 2021.
Witnesses told police the father could not find a bite mark and dismissed the claim. One witness added that Tristian “seemed perfectly fine.”
Tristian fell ill during the night and the next morning he was found lifeless outside the barn by his father.
A year later, Frahm was charged with manslaughter by police after a 12-month investigation.
Although Magistrate Judge Frahm ordered to stand trial at a preliminary hearing last November, a Justice Department spokeswoman announced that the case will no longer proceed.
“There has been no charge filed in the Brisbane Supreme Court in the Frahm case,” she told the Courier post.
Manslaughter charges have been dropped against Kerrod James Frahm, who police say was negligent in the death of his son Tristian (both pictured)
‘The Director of Public Prosecutions has informed the Registry of the Supreme Court of his intention to discontinue the case.’
The spokeswoman added that the clerk had declared the matter “not a real account” in April.
This type of statement typically implies that no evidence has been provided to support the continuation of the case.
Tristian’s death was a huge blow to his family. After his tragic death, he was remembered as a ‘little hero’ and an ‘angel’.
Police alleged that Frahm failed to seek medical attention after his 11-year-old son Tristian (pictured) claimed he had been bitten by a snake, leading to his death earlier the next morning.
A heartbroken family member shared photos and videos of Tristian enjoying life to the fullest, skating and playing games, as she paid a heartbreaking tribute.
“I am so speechless and the grief is unimaginable. I still can’t believe it,” the family member posted at the time.
‘I love you more than I ever thought possible, I miss you more and more every minute, there will always be a hole in my heart, as big as you.’
