Outrage as Notorious Child Killer Allegedly Babysits Again

Concerns have emerged over allegations that Helen Patricia Moore, widely regarded as one of Australia’s most notorious child killers, is once again caring for children despite her dark past. Moore, who was convicted of murdering three children and attempting to kill two others, has stirred outrage among families and communities as reports indicate she is involved in childcare activities.

Moore, originally from Sydney’s southwest, has a history marked by tragedy. According to News.com.au, her brother, Craig Moorley, described their childhood as “horrific,” alleging that Moore’s actions made life unbearable for him and their siblings. In an interview with Australia’s 9News A Current Affair, Moorley expressed alarm at her current involvement with children, stating, “She is still babysitting. People don’t know what she did, and they deserve to because she is evil.”

This tragic narrative began on a February night in 1979, when Moore’s infant stepbrother, Andrew, was discovered unresponsive in his crib. Craig Moorley recalled the horrifying moment he heard Moore scream, only to find Andrew in distress. Medical professionals later attributed the incident to Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Moorley, then just 13 years old, attempted to save his brother, leading to a traumatic experience that continues to haunt him.

In May of the same year, Moore was again entrusted with several children, including her 16-month-old cousin, Susan Louise. Tragically, Susan Louise died shortly after being placed under Moore’s care, with SIDS also cited as the cause. By early 1980, the pattern of distress continued, as two more infants under Moore’s supervision were found unresponsive, one of whom suffered severe lasting injuries.

The cycle of tragedy escalated when, on February 23, 1980, two-year-old Rachel Hay was found dead in her bed. It wasn’t until the death of another sibling, seven-year-old Andrew, that local authorities began to take notice. Moore was accused of smothering Andrew while he sat watching television, leading to her arrest. Following her confession to the three murders and two attempted murders, she earned the media nickname “babysitter killer.”

At the age of 18, Moore was sentenced to three life terms for her crimes, plus an additional 20 years for the attempted murders. After serving nearly 14 years behind bars, she was released on parole in 2005, returning to society under a new name, Helen Anderson. Today, at 63, she resides in a neighborhood on the New South Wales Central Coast, close to a daycare facility, raising fresh concerns among local residents.

One neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed shock at the revelation that Moore was living nearby. She recounted her close relationship with Moore, stating, “We were always at each other’s houses, Christmas, birthdays… she was my best friend.” The neighbor felt “sick” upon learning of Moore’s history, especially after having allowed her to care for her children and grandchildren.

When approached by the A Current Affair team regarding the allegations, Moore denied babysitting, citing health issues, including a stroke and seizures. Her parole concluded in 2005, and she was not automatically added to the state’s Child Protection Register, which tracks individuals convicted of serious crimes against children. This oversight was only rectified in 2015, following a campaign by Craig Moorley advocating for greater awareness.

The ongoing situation raises pressing questions about the safety of children in proximity to individuals with serious criminal histories. The community remains on high alert as they grapple with the implications of Moore’s alleged activities, underscoring the lasting impact of her past actions on those who live near her.