Logan Community Unites in Candlelight Vigil for Mother and Daughter
Neighbours and friends gathered for a heartfelt candlelight vigil to honour a mother and her young child, whose tragic deaths have left colleagues, local school parents, and the wider community in deep sorrow. The vigil took place on Boliva Rd in Logan, remembering Kate Paterson, 38, and her one-year-old daughter April, with residents bringing candles and flowers as a song was played and a minute’s silence observed.
Community Response to the Tragedy
The community came together in solidarity as CCTV footage revealed the family walking with their stroller just a day before police believe Kate and April were killed. In the footage, Kate is seen holding April in her arms while her partner walks beside them—a scene detectives describe as appearing like any normal family going about their day. Neighbour Nipun Pawar shared his shock, stating, "When I found out the age of the victims I was hoping it was not them because I didn’t know them personally. I used to see them walk past… happy family… always happy… always smiling."
Details of the Incident and Investigation
Police discovered Kate and April inside their home on Thursday morning with stab wounds, after officers arrived to notify Kate that her partner—and April’s father—Blake Seers, had been struck by a car on a nearby main road. Detectives now believe Seers fled the home before running onto Loganlea Rd, where he was hit by a passing vehicle. He remains under police guard at the Princess Alexandra Hospital, with investigators waiting to speak with him as the investigation continues.
Impact on the Local Community
The deaths have profoundly shaken the community, with flowers and handwritten notes piling up outside both the home and Windaroo State School, where Kate had recently returned to teaching after maternity leave. Parents have reported that younger students are struggling to understand why their beloved teacher won’t be coming back. Friday’s vigil is expected to draw a large crowd, united in grief for a mother and daughter whose final hours appeared heartbreakingly ordinary, highlighting the devastating impact of this suspected domestic tragedy.
