‘Inconsistencies’ emerge in case over toddler’s suspicious death

Police investigating the suspicious death of a toddler north of Brisbane say they have identified “inconsistencies” in the information provided to officers.

Jaylen Troy Priest was found in a critical condition at his mother’s home in Burpengary on December 30, 2021.

In a statement on Friday morning, police said they were seeking witnesses on the street in the days leading to the initial ambulance call.

Jaylen Troy Priest, 16 months old, was found by paramedics in a critical condition at home.

The 16-month-old was rushed to hospital from the Staaten Street property.

He died just over a week later at Queensland Children’s Hospital.

The boy’s then-33-year-old stepfather, Aaron Harley James, was accused of murder.

He spent two years behind bars before the charges against him were downgraded to manslaughter and then dropped in 2024.

“Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or concerning behaviour in the vicinity … is urged to come forward,” police said on Friday.

“Ongoing investigations have identified a number of inconsistencies from information initially provided.”

Before police laid charges, an online fundraiser for Jaylen’s memorial claimed the boy died after he had slipped on the floor at home.

Police revealed in 2024 they had launched a review into the original investigation, following questions in court on how an interview with another child who was at the home at the time of the death was handled.

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