Man and teen charged over fatal shooting of boy, 9, at family farm

A 33-year-old man and a 14-year-old boy have been charged following the accidental shooting death of a nine-year-old at a family property near Goulburn during the school holidays.

The scene in Windellama, near Goulburn. Picture: TNV

A man and teenager have been charged after a nine-year-old boy died when police believe he was accidentally shot by a relative while on a weekend away at the family’s farm just outside Goulburn.

When police and paramedics arrived at the property in Windellama just after 11am on Sunday, they found the young child suffering serious injuries to his neck.

Despite their best efforts, he died at the scene.

Police sources said it was believed the boy was killed when the gun, which was being held by a relative, unexpectedly fired.

A family member on the farm, about 20 minutes south of Goulburn, called triple-0.

Investigators are now looking into whether the firearm was being prepared to be transported from the farm back to their Sydney home when it went off.

The scene in Windellama, near Goulburn. Picture: TNV

On Monday, as the investigation continued, police tape was strung across the entrance to the property, with a few patrol cars parked nearby and officers stationed at the gate.

Uniformed police remained at the scene throughout the morning, keeping watch as detectives continued their investigation.

Officers at the scene on Monday morning. Picture: Julian Andrews

Police continuing their investigation at the property. Picture: Julian Andrews

NSW Police are treating the boy’s death as a tragic accident, but a full probe is underway by local detectives and experts from the State Crime Command into the circumstances that led up to his death.

As part of their investigation under Strike Force Dalzeill, police arrested a 14-year-old boy and a 33-year-old man.

Police tape cordoned off the area and officers were spotted guarding the farm. Picture: Julian Andrews

Both were taken to Goulburn Police Station on Sunday and have since been charged in connection with the incident.

The 14-year-old was charged with possess unauthorised firearm and granted conditional bail to appear before a children’s court on May 16.

The 33-year-old man was charged with allow unauthorised person to possess firearm and not keep firearm safely and will appear before Goulburn Local Court on May 14.

Neighbour Ron Wenban, who lives a few properties up the road, heard the sound of the fatal gunshot.

He said he thought at the time it was unusual to hear a gunshot.

“We heard a single shot which is unusual in the middle of the day,” Mr Wenban said.

“We were outside and heard it, and we reacted to the shot ... it was a bit perturbing really.

“That was at 11.20am and then we heard the sirens, I reckon about 11.40am. Then the chopper came over at 12.03pm and that’s when I said: ‘Someone’s been hurt’.

“It is school holidays, that’s the tragic part about it. It’s just really tragic.”

Goulburn state MP Wendy Tuckerman said the tragedy would be felt across the community.

“This is an absolute terrible tragedy and my heartfelt condolences go to the family involved,” Ms Tuckerman said.

“This incident is currently being investigated by police and until such time as those investigations are complete it would be inappropriate for me to make further comment.

“My thanks to those police officers and emergency services who attended the scene.”