‘Called authorities nine times a day’: Gassed mum's pleas for help

The Sydney mother of two autistic children who were gassed to death in last week’s alleged murder suicide has been described as “alone and severely depressed” and would call authorities up to “nine times a day”.

Maria Claudia Lutz’s marriage to husband Fernando Manrique had broken down past the point of repair and she longed to return to her native Colombia to raise 11-year-old Elisa and 10-year-old Martin.

“He was never home and had become increasingly withdrawn, spending weeks at a time working away in Asia,” a close friend told the Daily Telegraph.

“In three years I met him only once. Maria was doing everything alone. How she found the time to keep the house spotless with ¬everything else she was doing was beyond me.”

Battling his own demons, Mr Manrique reportedly submerged himself in work and even made plans to start up his own business the following year,

The friend of the family said that as time went on he became more burdened by the difficulties of raising autistic children and ultimately more detached from the family.

“He said he was going to set up a company next year — but it wasn’t the financial help she needed, it was physical and emotional support.”

“The marriage had collapsed in the last years and the two of them were not speaking,” the friend said.

“She desperately wanted to go home to Colombia to be with her mum, but he wouldn’t let her and said the kids couldn’t handle the flight. In reality he knew she wouldn’t come back.

The friend also questioned the amount of government support that the 43-year-old mother was receiving and suggested a split was imminent.

“Maria was so anxious and depressed that if (the Family of Community and Services) called to change an appointment or cancel (then) it threw her,” they said.

Police were first alerted about concerns for the family after Ms Lutz and her children failed to arrive at Wahroonga’s St Lucy’s Catholic School on Monday. Ms Lutz was scheduled to work in the canteen.

On Monday morning, police officers forced entry to the home and made the grim discovery. They found the family's dog had also been killed.

It is believed that Mr Manrique poisoned the family of four with an elaborate chemical set-up.

Neighbours told 7News that the family had been living in the street for around 10 years and that they would see them at the local playground, where they appeared seemingly happy.

If you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, seek support and information by calling Lifeline 13 11 14, Mensline 1300 789 978, or Kids Helpline 1800 551 800