Local media reports indicate that two foster children who were living with a convicted transgender triple murderer, even though authorities knew about the situation since late December 2025, have been removed from the home of the violent offender.
Radio station 2GB reported that Reginald Arthurell — who started transitioning to female shortly after being released from prison in 2020 — was taken from the residence after heavily armed police conducted a raid at the location on Monday. According to the outlet, Arthurell had been residing with a 12-year-old and a 14-year-old for multiple months.
On Tuesday, the New South Wales (NSW) Minister for Families and Communities apologized, stating that the situation “should never have been permitted.”
“It is completely unacceptable for a vulnerable child under state care to be living with a triple murderer,” Kate Washington told 2GB. “This should never have occurred, and I am profoundly sorry for what has transpired.”
She further stated that “extremely poor decisions were made” when authorities first learned of the situation, and noted that an investigation is currently being conducted to understand how such “horrific” circumstances were permitted, vowing to implement systemic reforms.
The incident has triggered broad public outrage and demands for the resignation of officials who permitted the crisis to persist for months.
According to 2GB, Arthurell moved into an established foster home in Sydney late last year, where two children were already residing under the supervision of an elderly woman. He allegedly encountered her while she was employed at a hospital where he was a patient.
The woman, who had invited Arthurell to share the home as a roommate, already had two foster children living with her as part of her authorized arrangement with the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice.
Consequently, Arthurell shared the residence with the children. The setup remained undetected by authorities until the caregiver’s daughter allegedly voiced concerns late last year.
Court documents reveal that before moving into the foster home, Arthurell had accumulated an extensive criminal record, mainly consisting of three murders committed over a span of three decades. He was initially convicted of manslaughter in 1974 for allegedly fatally stabbing his stepfather in Sydney. In 1981, he brutally beat a 19-year-old sailor to death during a violent robbery, and while on parole in 1995, he murdered his fiancée by bludgeoning her with a wooden object, according to local news sources.
2GB further reported that after murdering his romantic partner, Arthurell was discovered taking photos of himself wearing one of her dresses.
Court documents show that alcohol was a factor in all three killings. Records indicate that Arthurell served nearly 39 years in prison for these crimes.
Following his release from prison in November 2020, Arthurell started transitioning to female, adopting the name Regina. 2GB reported that the first public photographs and self-introductions were posted on a transgender community Facebook page in May 2021. According to News.com.au, Arthurell had also stated intentions to receive gender-affirming surgery “as soon as possible.”
Court documents also noted that “her transition has been occurring for quite a few years,” verifying that the process continued after his release.
ABC Australia reported on Tuesday that Arthurell is currently staying in private housing following his removal on Monday.