The parents of five-year-old Archie Ranger, found dead after allegedly being duct-taped inside a sleeping bag in the NSW Northern Rivers region, can now be named.
Police are investigating the suspicious death of Archie at his home on Carrs Island, north-west of Grafton, on October 12.
Officers allegedly discovered Archie and his two siblings had been duct-taped into sleeping bags, with tape placed over their eyes at night.
Archie, reportedly disabled and born with eye misalignment, was found unresponsive and could not be revived.
Police claim Archie had duct-tape wrapped around his head and were allegedly told it was to ‘assist him sleeping’.
Archie’s father, Neil Ranger, and stepmother, Stephanie Luhrmann, are local residents who both work at Big River Glass, where Ms Luhrmann is understood to be an office manager.
Mr Ranger and Ms Luhrmann, who were home at the time, have been interviewed by investigators.
Potential charges will be considered after a post-mortem examination to determine how Archie died.
Stephanie Luhrmann and Neil Ranger are pictured with his late son Archie and two children
Police said potential charges may be laid following Archie’s post-mortem
Archie was just five years old when he died
Police attended the semi-rural property at Carrs Island on Monday, October 12
The Daily Mail understands Ms Luhrmann and Mr Ranger are receiving medical care and a mental health assessment as their son undergoes a post-mortem.
Ms Luhrmann is possibly pregnant.
It is also understood that Archie’s biological mother is ‘not doing well’, and his brother and stepsister are now in the care of other family members.
It’s understood officers had previously been called to the home in 2025 and raised concerns about what was happening there with NSW Department of Communities and Justice officials.
Despite this, Ms Luhrmann frequently documented on social media what appeared to be an idyllic semi-rural life in the Clarence River region, alongside Mr Ranger and their blended family.
Several TikTok videos show the children dancing in the kitchen and playing in the yard, along with regular boating and beach trips.
Ms Luhrmann, whose parents live in Grafton, played for the local Redmen rugby club and was previously involved in relationships with women.
A neighbour told the Daily Mail she and Mr Ranger lived at the Carrs Island Road home for ‘just over a year’, but ‘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.
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’.
Do you know more? Email karleigh.smith@dailymail.com.au
