Warning: This content may be distressing to some readers.
The tragic discovery of two young boys, aged six and seven, occurred yesterday afternoon at a property near Coonabarabran, located roughly 500 kilometres north-west of Sydney. Their grandmother, a 66-year-old woman, was found at the scene and subsequently transferred to Dubbo Hospital after reportedly attempting self-harm.
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland from the Western Region stated that upon her release from a mental health facility in Orange, the grandmother will be returned to police custody, facing serious charges, as the investigation progresses. She had been the sole guardian of her grandsons, having relocated to Coonabarabran from the Central Coast of New South Wales just 11 months prior.
The officers who arrived first were confronted with a devastating scene, discovering the body of one boy in the front bedroom and his brother in another room. The incident has severely impacted the officers; while one has returned to work, the other is struggling with the emotional aftermath of the discovery.
Formal identification of the boys is ongoing, with their biological parents and other relatives informed. The local community is grappling with this loss, with Holland noting that any family facing such a tragedy would be in distress. Although the cause of death is yet to be established, a postmortem is scheduled.
The incident is being framed as a potential double murder, with police treating it with appropriate gravity. Holland emphasised the tragedy and grief stemming from the loss of two innocent lives that could have had bright futures ahead of them. A family member shared a touching tribute, describing the boys as energetic and engaged in various activities such as soccer and karate.
New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has expressed his condolences, calling the situation a "terrible tragedy." He highlighted the grief felt within the community and thanked local police for their professionalism in such a horrifying circumstance.
An ongoing investigation continues, with forensic examinations and witness statements being collected from the local area. Authorities are appealing for anyone with information to reach out to Crime Stoppers.
For those affected by this tragedy, support is available; Lifeline can be contacted at 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636.