Michaela Barriball
Michaela Barriball is a caregiver implicated in the tragic case of Malachi Subecz, whose death raised serious concerns about child protection practices in New Zealand. During the recent coronial inquest, it was revealed that Barriball had claimed Malachi's extensive injuries were the result of a fall, a statement challenged by medical experts who highlighted evidence of prolonged abuse. The inquest has sparked discussions about systemic failings within child protection agencies, with calls for better training and mandatory reporting of child abuse to prevent future tragedies.
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Recent news mentions
Michaela Barriball is serving a life sentence for the murder of Malachi Subecz.
Watch live: Review finds 24 children killed by carers since Malachi Subecz’ murder
New Zealand· 2026-02-18
Michaela Barriball was jailed for a minimum of 17 years for the murder of Malachi Subecz.
Malachi Subecz murder: Why top doctor Patrick Kelly fears child abuse deaths will continueNew Zealand· 2026-02-13
Michaela Barriball was charged with murder and child abuse after the death of Malachi Subecz.
The murder of Malachi Subecz: Inside the custody battle that left him with killer caregiverNew Zealand· 2026-02-10
Michaela Barriball was involved in the circumstances leading to Malachi's death and was untruthful about her situation.
Coroner’s findings on Malachi Rain Subecz’s death include call for Oranga Tamariki changesNew Zealand· 2026-02-10
Barriball was appointed as Malachi's guardian but later convicted of his murder.
Malachi Subecz: The lingering questions answered by the coronial inquestNew Zealand· 2025-08-02
Michaela Barriball was the caregiver who claimed that Malachi had fallen, despite evidence of abuse.
Malachi Subecz inquiry: Failings in child protection case ‘routine’ and still happening, doctor saysNew Zealand· 2025-07-16
