A mother and her “genius” eight-year-old daughter were tragically found deceased in an Airbnb in Kenmore Hills, Brisbane, two years after the mother had been admitted to a psychiatric hospital.
Dr. Tiffany Wilkes, aged 54, and her daughter Clementine were discovered on September 29 at the upscale Airbnb location. CCTV footage captured Wilkes disposing of trash just a day before the bodies were found. Authorities are investigating the case as a murder-suicide, prompted by an email Wilkes sent to a colleague outlining her intentions.
Concerns have been raised about potential missed opportunities by authorities to safeguard the child. Wilkes had a history of mental health struggles, leading to her involuntary hospitalization in 2023. Despite her daughter’s increasing school absences and subsequent withdrawal from classes, the Queensland Child Safety Department was not notified.
Wilkes, a respected anaesthetist, had portrayed her daughter as a gifted child, describing her as a “girl wonder” and a “mini genius.” The mother justified Clementine’s absences by citing illnesses and vacations before opting for homeschooling.
Before the tragic incident, Wilkes had stopped working, citing mental health challenges, and frequently shifted residences. The only visible indication of the tragedy was a Mercedes A200 parked nearby, containing a green plush toy peeking out of a paper bag.
Dr. Wilkes had a distinguished medical career in major Queensland hospitals for over a decade. Police are compiling a report for the Coroner, while questions linger about the educational arrangements for the young girl, as they never lived in a townhouse owned by Wilkes.
For those seeking mental health support, Samaritans can be contacted at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.