This archive report was first published on 15 July 2019.
On July 15, 2019, Esther Arunga, a former KTN anchor, pleaded guilty to being an accessory to murder in the death of her three-year-old son, Sinclair Timberlake. The tragic incident occurred in 2007, when Sinclair died after suffering blunt force trauma to the abdomen.
Arunga initially reported that her son had fallen down the stairs, but later admitted to lying to police. In an autopsy report, it was found that Sinclair had suffered from blunt force trauma to the abdomen, contradicting Arunga's initial claim.
When asked why she didn't speak the truth earlier, Arunga claimed that she was afraid of being left alone. Her lawyer added that she had not realized how unwell her husband, Quincy Timberlake, was until the night of their son's death.
During the trial, a friend of the family, Christina Carroll, revealed that she had seen straight line cuts on Sinclair's forehead after the family returned to Australia from a visit to Singapore. Arunga had claimed that the cuts were caused by her son falling down the stairs.
Quincy Timberlake, who is facing manslaughter charges, was described by a witness as being aggressive and controlling. He allegedly told a friend that Esther was under his control and would do whatever he said.
Arunga is awaiting sentencing on Thursday, July 18, 2019.
