The parents of five-year-old Archie Ranger, who was found dead in the NSW Northern Rivers after allegedly being restrained inside a sleeping bag with duct tape, can now be publicly identified.
Police are investigating Archie’s suspicious death at the family’s property on Carrs Island, north-west of Grafton, on October 12.
Investigators allegedly found Archie and his two siblings secured inside sleeping bags, with tape reportedly placed over their eyes while they slept.
Archie, who was reportedly living with a disability and had been born with an eye misalignment, was found unresponsive and could not be revived.
Police allege duct tape had been wrapped around Archie’s head and were reportedly told the measure was intended to ‘assist him sleeping’.
Archie’s father, Neil Ranger, and his stepmother, Stephanie Luhrmann, live locally and both work for Big River Glass. Ms Luhrmann is understood to be employed as an office manager.
The couple were at home when police arrived and have since spoken with investigators about the circumstances surrounding Archie’s death.
Any potential charges will be assessed after a post-mortem examination establishes how the young boy died.
Stephanie Luhrmann and Neil Ranger are pictured with Archie, his two children
Police are awaiting the results of Archie’s post-mortem before deciding whether charges will be laid
Archie was five years old when he died
Officers went to the semi-rural Carrs Island property on Monday, October 12
The Daily Mail understands Ms Luhrmann and Mr Ranger are receiving medical treatment and undergoing mental health assessments while Archie’s post-mortem examination is carried out.
Ms Luhrmann is also believed to be pregnant.
Archie’s biological mother is understood to be ‘not doing well’, while his brother and stepsister have been placed with other relatives.
Police are also understood to have visited the property in 2025, when concerns about the children’s circumstances were raised with officials from the NSW Department of Communities and Justice.
Despite those concerns, Ms Luhrmann regularly shared social media posts portraying a happy semi-rural lifestyle in the Clarence River region with Mr Ranger and their blended family.
TikTok footage reportedly showed the children dancing in the kitchen, playing outside and joining the family on boating and beach outings.
Ms Luhrmann, whose parents live in Grafton, previously played rugby for the local Redmen club and has also been in relationships with women.
A neighbour told the Daily Mail that Ms Luhrmann and Mr Ranger had lived at the Carrs Island Road property for ‘just over a year’, but generally ‘kept to themselves’.
Ms Luhrmann frequently documented what appeared to be an idyllic semi-rural life
Archie is seen dancing in the family kitchen with his older stepsister
The home in Carrs Island near Grafton is rented at $400 per week
Archie was allegedly found inside a sleeping bag, with his head duct-taped
Property records show the address, which sits along the banks of the Clarence River, is leased at $400 per week.
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Calls to Ms Luhrmann and her parents, Kenneth and Jeanette, who live locally, went unanswered on Monday morning.
In April, Ms Luhrmann launched a business named Luhrmann & Co Farm, posting an AI-generated image of a man, woman, two boys and a girl to Facebook.
Last month, she updated the cover photo with an AI image showing the woman to be pregnant.
The page, which promotes a hobby farm featuring chickens and cats, has just 47 followers.
‘Life on our little farm is busy and full of love, with early mornings, muddy boots and happy chaos,’ the page’s description reads.
‘Raising my three kids alongside our chickens, every day brings laughter, lessons and memories.’
Ms Luhrmann also appeared to be attempting a career as a cooking influencer, frequently sharing posts about what she was making for her kids’ dinners.
An exterior view of the rented Carrs Island home is shown
Ms Luhrmann shared a post to TikTok referring to past troubles
Archie was born with eye misalignment and wore glasses
She hinted at troubles in her life, posting in April: ‘Sometimes I sit with all the choices I’ve made and wish I had been the person I am now, back then.
‘I regret the moments I didn’t show up better, the chances I didn’t take, and most of all… losing you. Some things stay with you, no matter how much time passes.’
Grafton locals are calling for the community to hold a memorial vigil for Archie, with one person suggesting a march around Carrs Island in his honour.
Mr Ranger’s Facebook page has been flooded with furious comments over the loss of his son.
Homicide Squad and Child Abuse Squad detectives have joined local investigators at the crime scene as part of Strike Force Milona to oversee inquiries into how the boy died.
A NSW Police spokesperson told the Daily Mail that emergency services were called to the Grafton home at about 6.40am on October 12 following reports a boy had been found unresponsive.
‘Officers attached to Coffs/Clarence Police District attended the scene and commenced CPR on the boy,’ the spokesperson said.
An AI image shared by Ms Luhrmann on a business account indicated she was pregnant
‘NSW Ambulance paramedics attended a short time later; however, were unable to revive the five-year-old.
‘A crime scene was established and inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the boy’s death are underway.’
The NSW Department of Communities and Justice is also investigating.
‘The Department of Communities and Justice is aware of the tragic death of a young child in Grafton. Our heartfelt condolences go out to those who knew and loved this child,’ a spokesperson said.
‘DCJ is working with NSW Police on their inquiries, and given the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further.’
A police spokesperson told the Daily Mail on Monday morning that there was ‘no update to provide at this stage’.
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