Tiahleigh Palmer Murder Case Analysis Essay

The murder of Tialeigh Palmer is one that shocked the nation for years to come. Before we can truly enter the details of the murder and whether justice was served efficiently, we must first take into account the events in the lead up which ultimately involved Trent Thorburn engaging in elicit sexual activities with 12 year old Tialeigh Alyssa-Rose Palmer, his foster sister. 

We are told throughout the article that before Trent admitted to his parents on October 29th 2015 just what exactly he had done a few days before, Tialeigh would allegedly approach them, speaking of how she ‘had a secret that would get her kicked out’. These claims in themselves, alongside Tialeighs alleged smugness when considering her ‘secret’ point towards the sex itself being consensual, Tialeigh's grandmother also informed reporters that the young girl had turned down an offer to move home with her mother months prior to her death due to a juvenile crush on Trent. But however willing Tialeigh Palmer may have been at the time of the act, it is does not negate the fact that Trent Thurborn engaged in the statutory rape of a minor. Oftentimes with acts such as these however, the victim, especially those that are significantly under age, do not initially realise that they have been groomed, or assaulted. 

Unfortunately for Tialeigh Palmer, she never got the chance to understand. 

On October 30th 2015, a mere day after Trent Thorburns teary admission, Rick Thorburn committed theoretically the worst feat a parent can do to their child. He murdered Tialeigh Palmer. 

There are two theories of just why exactly Rick carried out this horrific act, the first is that he feared the young girl may have been pregnant due to her complaining about stomach pains at dance class that night, the second, is that he feared his own sexual abuse of Tialeigh eould be uncovered. Now just for context, the second theory is exactly as it says, theoretical, in the fact that there is no evidence other than a psychological report pointing to the potential fact that Rick enjoyed little girls. 

A parents concern and love for their child goes beyond reason, and is said to be one of the strongest emotions in the world, this is simply the only humane conclusion I can draw as to why Rick Thorburn murdered his foster daughter, to cover up his sons idiocy and to prevent - in his mind - any consequence to befall his son. The other option is simple self preservation or anger, to either protect his own heinous acts to slip past her lips, or anger in the fact that Tialeigh had slept with his son, an example of blame shifting rather than incarcerating the true one to blame for the sexual act, Trent Thorburn. 

Little is known about that fateful day other than that her foster father stated he dropped her off to school (Marsden State High School) as per usual, however, she was reported as not attending any of her classes nor did anyone see her at all throughout the day. 

It wasn’t until November 5th, almost a week later, did police and the media release information and urged people to come forward with her whereabouts…a body of a young girl was found in the river that day.. and was later identified as Tialeigh. 

Tialeigh Palmer’s cause of death was choking or asphyxiation.. And that the coroner's report revealed it was deliberate, however in court Rick testified that on the night of the crime, himself and Tialeigh had engaged in a domestic argument when she refused to go to bed which escalated to her leaving the house entirely. Rick continued to say that upon attempting to bring her back into the house she began yelling, drawing the attention of a neighbour that was nearby, he says that in retaliation, as he dragged her back to the house he had placed his hand over her mouth, and in turn her neck. Rick testifies that he only noticed what he had done once he had placed Tialeigh down and she was unresponsive. 

This testimony was made in 2018, shortly before he was jailed to life, however Rick Thorburn was arrested for the murder of Tialeigh and tampering with a body in 2016 . He blacked out shortly after his arrest and was sent into a comatose state for several days, missing a trial date the next day. He may have attempted suicide via taking pills shortly before or after his arrest, according to police. 

Not just Rick Thorburn, justice was indeed served to all;

Trent, Tialeigh's sexual offender and foster brother, was charged with two charges of perjury, one count of seeking to pervert the course of justice, and one offense of incest, and was denied bail.

Julene, her foster mother, and Joshua, her elder foster brother, were charged with perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice and were both released on bond.

This case is an example of the justice system doing exactly what is labelled, serving justice. Tialeigh Alyssa-Rose Palmer received the justice she deserved via the court process and the extensive lengths that police and responders were willing to go to to effectively solve the case.