A Chinese man allegedly threw hot coffee on a baby boy at a Queensland park in anger after learning his visa application was rejected, according to Chinese media reports.
The incident occurred in late August when nine-month-old Luka was enjoying a picnic with his mother. The man reportedly approached them from behind and threw the scalding drink on the child. Luka was rushed to the hospital with severe burns and has since undergone multiple surgeries and skin grafts to treat the life-altering injuries.
Queensland Police previously indicated that the suspect likely knew how detectives would attempt to track him. He fled to Sydney shortly after the attack and eventually left the country on an international flight. The motive behind the unprovoked attack on the baby has remained unclear, with investigators withholding details to avoid compromising the investigation.
However, recent reports from Chinese media, which also identified the suspect, allege that the man targeted the child after his visa application was rejected. The 33-year-old man had reportedly been in Australia since 2019 on a working holiday visa, later securing a student visa. After his visa was set to expire, his application for a new one was denied, allegedly prompting the attack on baby Luka in Brisbane’s Hanlon Park.
According to New Tang Dynasty Television in China, the man had worked in a meat processing plant on the east coast of Australia. A person claiming to know the attacker described him as having “brain problems” and suggested the attack was an act of “revenge.”
Although these claims have yet to be confirmed, Luka’s parents expressed frustration at not having learned about this information earlier. “Where is he? Is he in jail now that his identity has been reported over there? Is he just walking the streets?” Luka’s mother asked in an interview with Nine News. Luka’s father wants the man to either face justice in the country he fled to or be extradited to Australia to stand trial for the crime, which carries a potential life sentence.
On a positive note, Luka is making progress in his recovery. More than two months after the attack, he is now free of bandages, although he will require ongoing scar treatment for several years.
Despite knowing the identity of the attacker, Queensland Police have kept his name confidential to protect the ongoing international search effort. Chinese media have reportedly disclosed his name, but Queensland Police Acting Commissioner Andrew Massingham has emphasized that the manhunt is still active. “No matter what is being reported online, our international search for the person who committed this terrible crime continues,” Massingham said in an interview with 4BC.
While social media posts identifying the suspect could serve as a distraction, police remain focused on apprehending him. Massingham explained that such information must remain confidential until it is officially released, but assured the public that the police are committed to capturing the suspect.
Describing the attack on Luka, Massingham stated that it ranked among the most heinous and cowardly acts he had seen in his policing career. A team of 30 detectives and officers are currently working on the case. CCTV footage showed the man wearing shorts, a blue checkered shirt, a black hat, and black shoes. He reportedly traveled to Sydney the day after the attack before flying overseas.
