Father Jumps To Death Holding Baby In Murder Suicide Case

After being identified as the victim of a murder-suicide in South Australia at the hands of her own father, a nine-month-old baby "will probably be the face of domestic violence moving forward."

Australia's SA police responded to a call from the Whispering Wall tourist attraction in Williamstown at 4.30 p.m., on Wednesday. Henry Shepherdson and his infant daughter Kobi jumped from there, informants say.

Witnesses claim they were shocked to see the man leap from the 35-meter-high dam wall when Kobi was strapped to his body in a child carrier.

When paramedics arrived, they discovered the father had died, and the baby was unresponsive. Kobi was pronounced dead at the scene, despite the efforts of witnesses and later paramedics.

Kobi's mother gave police and the media some of her favorite pictures of her daughter while requesting privacy during this "sad and tragic time."

Early inquiries obtained by 9News uncovered a history of domestic abuse between Mr Shepherdson and Kobi's mother.

Shepherdson was charged with an alleged assault and threatening his wife and baby last year. But the charges were dismissed.

He "had appeared" in the Adelaide Magistrates Court a few hours before the tragic incident.

Vickie Chapman, the Attorney-General of South Australia, has stated that she does not think the legal system failed Kobi.

Despite being accused of domestic abuse, Mr. Shepherdson had every legal right to have the baby girl on Wednesday afternoon.

For the coroner, a report is being prepared.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said yesterday that the infant's death was an "event of profound sorrow."

"It is truly awful," he told media on Thursday.

"And my heart is profoundly sad at this terrible event and of the impact on the families that are involved, the friends, the trauma of this will be unspeakable," the Prime Minister said.

"And we must continue to just further increase our efforts to do all we can in these circumstances," Prime Minister Morrison added.

If you need help or support, contact Australia's National Domestic Violence Service on 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732). If you are in immediate danger call triple zero (000).