Woman charged with two counts of murder over two young boys’ deaths in NSW

A woman has been charged with two counts of murder over the deaths of two boys, 6 and 7, in Coonabarabran, NSW.

A woman has been charged with murder over the deaths of two little boys in Coonabarabran, NSW this week.

In a statement released overnight, a NSW Police spokesperson said the 66-year-old woman was known to the children, aged 6 and 7, whose bodies were found on Monday inside a home on Emu Lane, following reports of a concern for welfare.

The suspect was taken to a hospital for further assessment where she remained under hospital guard.

“On Friday 9 May 2025, the woman was taken to Orange Police Station after she was released from the hospital,” police said.

She has since been charged with two counts of murder, the statement read.

The woman was refused bail to appear at Parramatta Bail Court later today.

Samantha Heggs and Troy Johnson said their sons Max, 7, and Sam, 6, adored each other. picture: 9 News

Earlier, the parents of two boys paid tribute to their sons.

Samantha Heggs and Troy Johnson told Nine News brothers Max, seven, and Sam, six, were extremely close and adored each other.

Nine reported the parents lost custody of their sons who were removed by the Department of Communities and Justice about four years ago.

Mr Johnson said Max was never sick and was always happy and healthy.

“He was the happiest little kid he never cried, even as a baby he didn’t cry,’ he said.

“(Sam’s) the toughest little kid I’ve met, the way he went through the pain, the way he beat that cancer, he’s my hero.”

A candlelit vigil was held in memory of two boys whose bodies were found in a home in regional northwest NSW.

A vigil was held for brother Max Johnson, 7, and Sam, 6, in Coonbarabran after they were allegedly killed by their grandmother. picture: 9 News

Max and Sam were found inside a home in Coonabarabran by police conducting a welfare check on Monday.

The boys’ 66-year old grandmother Kathy Heggs was arrested at the scene and taken to a mental health facility in Orange.

Police believe the grandmother “attempted to self-harm” before she was arrested and taken to hospital.

Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland told reporters on Wednesday would likely face serious charges and be returned to police custody.

Originally published as Woman charged with two counts of murder over two young boys’ deaths in NSW