Logan Community Holds Candlelight Vigil for Mother and Daughter Found Dead
Neighbours and friends gathered for a poignant 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, held on Boliva Rd in Logan, remembered 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 Unites in Grief After Shocking Discovery
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. What seemed like an ordinary moment is now overshadowed by the heartbreaking tragedy that followed.
Neighbour Nipun Pawar shared his shock with 7NEWS, saying, "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."
Police Investigation Unfolds Amidst Community Mourning
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.
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 told 7NEWS that younger students have struggled to understand why their beloved teacher won't be coming back.
Vigil Draws Large Crowd as Investigation Continues
Friday's vigil is expected to draw a large crowd, united in grief for a mother and daughter whose final hours appeared heartbreakingly ordinary. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities working to piece together the events leading up to this tragedy. The community continues to mourn, offering support and remembrance for Kate and April during this difficult time.
