Elderly mother of 11 charged over death of young, autistic son in the 1960s

Maureen Enright has been charged with the murder of her son Peter John, who was never reported missing. Police say the 3 or 4-year-old died between 1968 and 1970. Photo / Supplied

An elderly mother of 11 has been charged with the murder of her young son in the 1960s, who police say was never reported missing.

Maureen Enright, 76, was on Wednesday night charged with the death of Peter John Enright, who police believe died some time between 1968 and 1969 when he was 3 or 4 years old.

The autistic child, the fourth of his parent's 11 children, was never reported missing, according to police.

A joint investigation by Inala Child Protection Investigation Unit, Homicide Investigation Unit and Child Trauma Detectives resulted in Mrs Enright being taken into custody and later charged with the murder of her autistic son.

Homicide Detective Inspector Damien Hansen, speaking to the media from the Enright's home on Polaris St, Inala, said police were on Thursday conducting a forensic investigation of the house and yard.

"Yesterday evening Maureen Enright, Peter's mother, was taken into custody and she was charged with Peter's murder," he said.

The house of Maureen Enright at Inala has become a crime scene after she was charged with the murder of her son Peter John in the 1960s. Photo / Supplied

"We've got a number of scientific officers and forensic specialists, including bone experts, and we'll be using ground penetrating radar during the search.

"I'm appealing for any person who lived on Polaris St, Inala, in the 1960s or 70s who knew the Enright family or remembers Peter to make contact with Crime Stoppers."

All members of the family have been questioned, Inspector Hansen said, however Ms Enright's husband Michael died in 2018.

Inspector Hansen said Mrs Enright had given police "a number of versions" of events.

"All members of the family have been questioned in relation to this, yes," he said.

"There were 11 children in the family and he was number four in the family.

"They were aware that Peter existed and they've given us versions for that."

Homicide Detective Inspector Damien Hansen said Peter John Enright was aged between 3 and 4 when he died. Photo / Supplied

The investigation was launched in August after a person came "forward with information".

"We're searching for remains … whether we are able to retrieve any remains given time and acidity of soil …" he said.

"It's just a shocking thing. Processes back in the 60s were very different to what they are today.

"This is the first time I've come across something like this."

Mrs Enright appeared briefly in Richlands Magistrates Court on Thursday, but did not apply for bail.

A police brief is due on November 27 and the case was adjourned for a committal mention on December 11, however Mrs Enright will not be required to attend.