The murder of Daniel Morcombe occurred on December 7, 2003, when the 13-year-old boy disappeared while waiting for a bus in Queensland, Australia. His case garnered national attention, leading to extensive searches and investigations. In 2011, Brett Peter Cowan was arrested and later convicted of Daniel's murder. Cowan was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2014. The case prompted significant changes in child safety laws and awareness campaigns in Australia, emphasizing the importance of protecting children from abduction and harm.