Devastated schools heartbreaking message after the suspected double murder of two young brothers as distraught Blue Mountains community pays tribute
A community has been left devastated and in mourning after two young brothers are suspected to have been stabbed to death by their mother in an alleged horrific attempted murder suicide.
A community has been left devastated and in mourning after two young brothers are suspected to have been stabbed to death by their mother in an alleged horrific attempted murder suicide.
Russell and Ben Smith, aged nine and 11, were found stabbed to death in their familys home in the sleepy Blue Mountains village of Faulconbridge about 12.40pm on Tuesday.
The boys father, Nick Smith, who does not live with them, called emergency services after discovering the gruesome scene.
His ex-wife, Trish Smith, was airlifted to Westmead Hospital under police guard and treated for self-inflicted cuts to her wrists before the 42-year-old was later placed under arrest.
No charges have so far been laid over the tragedy.
The young brothers were popular students at the nearby Our Lady of the Nativity Catholic school in the village of Lawson and featured in dozens of its Facebook posts, where they are seen smiling and receiving awards.
They had attended school on Monday, with detectives now investigating what triggered their absence on Tuesday ahead of the tragic events that would later unfold at their home.
The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese released a statement on behalf of the school, saying everyone who knew the young boys was grief-stricken by their loss.
Trish Smith is pictured with sons Russell and Ben
One local who knew the family brought their son who left a toy truck at the scene
Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as detectives continued to investigate the scene
Our Catholic schools community is devastated by the tragic deaths of Ben and Russell, two students of Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School in Lawson, the statement said.
Counselling and wellbeing support is available to students and staff at Our Lady of the Nativity today, and will continue to be provided in coming weeks.
The care and kindness of the broader Blues Mountains community at this difficult time is much appreciated.
With police investigations continuing, we are unable to comment any further at this time.
The crime scene has remained in lockdown as forensic officers complete their investigation.
Mr Smiths Mercedes-Benz station wagon also remained outside the familys property - a modest weatherboard bungalow at odds with many of the street’s new homes.
Detectives were still removing bags of evidence on Wednesday morning as devastated local residents ferried their children past the home on the way to the local Springwood High and Springwood Public schools at the end of the street.
Residents began to lay tributes at the house on Wednesday even as investigators continued to investigate the scene.
Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were being assisted by detectives from State Crime Commands homicide squad.
It is understood they are investigating whether Ms Smith may have suffered a psychotic episode in the lead up to the tragedy.
The boys father (pictured with his family) found the bodies of his sons and his former partner
A blue tarpaulin hangs in front of the home where the boys were found
Forensics experts remove bags of evidence from the home
Police continued to pore over the crime scene on Wednesday morning
Asked whether Ms Smith had a historic of mental health issues, he confirmed the mother was known to us but only for minor matters so it wouldnt be appropriate (to comment) at this stage.
Many of the familys neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they were too shocked by the violent nature of the alleged murders to fully process it yet.
They were shocked on Tuesday afternoon by the sound of police sirens in their usually quiet street, just 450m from the areas famed Norman Lindsay Gallery.
Photos posted on social media show the family beaming with joy as they posed for pictures with Santa, enjoyed family holidays, and explored the wilderness around the Blue Mountains.
Just eight months ago, Google Streetview images captured the childrens Christmas decorations strung up across the front yard of the familys home.
Ms Smith also previously referenced mental health online, while working during the states coronavirus lockdown, posting: Mental health is not just for those diagnosed.
Retired homicide detective Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the young family, said they had been well-liked members of the close-knit community.
They seemed like a really happy family, they have been living here for years, and you would just never pick something like this would happen, he told Daily Mail Australia.
They would all come together to the local street Christmas party and appeared every bit the perfect family.
The mum used to be known for taking exercise walks around the area in the afternoons and we would always have a chat.
There was never any indication anything was wrong. I couldnt say a bad word about them.
Another neighbour, who did not want to be named, said the entire community was rocked by the incident.
You used to see her walking her dogs around the streets all the time, and out and about with her sons,’ the local resident said.
They were lovely young boys.
You’d never think something like that could happen here - it’s a quiet community.
Residents said they had not seen Mr Smith around in a while but that he had once joined the children and their mother at local events.
The family are pictured during happier times. Father Nick Smith is on the right
Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were being assisted by detectives from State Crime Commands homicide squad
Neighbour Barbara Faith said she would regularly see the two brothers riding on their bikes back from school.
They had their helmets on, and they were doing the right thing ... I just thought they were lovely kids, Ms Faith told the ABC.
She said there was a huge commotion shortly after midday with about 20 emergency vehicles rushing down her street.
Its such a quiet neighbourhood and quiet street you dont expect those sorts of things, she said.
Its just so sad, I cant believe this could happen anywhere let alone my street.
For free mental health support call Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
