Two boys charged with murder after Abbotsford mum’s death

A 14-year-old and the 15-year-old son of the deceased have been charged with murder after a mother from Abbotsford was fatally stabbed on Wednesday.

Two teenagers have been charged over the alleged murder of a 41-year-old woman in Abbotsford on Wednesday night.

The teens were arrested on Thursday after a statewide search, and were charged on Friday after being offered an opportunity for a police interview.

The boys, who cannot be identified because of their age, were remanded in custody to face a Children’s Court at a later date.

The circumstances of the alleged murder are yet to be publicly detailed.

A 15-year-old boy was arrested after his mother was found with dozens of stab wounds in her Abbotsford apartment was seen dressed in camouflage gear in the hours after and had rations of food stored in bushland.

Police launched a major manhunt for the teen and his 14-year-old friend, issuing a statewide public alert, after the 41-year-old mother was found by her youngest child, 13, with the critical injuries in her bedroom about 11.10pm Wednesday.

The 13-year-old raised the alarm and the mother was rushed to hospital but died a short time later.

Within an hour of the public appeal being issued Thursday, the boys were spotted 147km from the crime scene near Learmonth, north of Ballarat.

Police on the Abbotsford street. Picture: David Crosling

Detective Acting Superintendent Dean Thomas, from crime command, said an astute police officer noticed the boys about 2.25pm on the side of the road.

“They were taken into custody with minimal fuss,” Supt Thomas said.

“They will now be interviewed by homicide squad investigators to determine their involvement.”

Sources have told the Herald Sun the boys were wearing green camouflage-like clothing and had food supplies on hand before their arrest.

The two boys were eventually spotted near Learmonth, north of Ballarat. Picture: David Crosling

It is also understood the mother was a former army ­reservist.

Investigators believe her 15-year-old son and his friend fled the property in the mother’s car.

The vehicle was seen about 11.20pm near roadworks at the St Kilda junction area.

Police say they believe the vehicle, which had damage to its bonnet as well as front and rear tail lights, travelled around St Kilda and Elwood for some time.

The car was found on Havelock St, St Kilda about 7.30am Thursday.

Police were on Thursday night looking into how the teenagers came to know each other.

“They are certainly friends, we are trying to work out how that friendship has come about,” Supt Thomas said.

Police at the scene in Abbotsford. Picture: David Crosling

It is not yet known how the pair travelled from the St Kilda area to Learmonth.

The Abbotsford property and its occupants had not been known to police.

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said he heard screams and arguing on the street at about 11.20pm.

“There was constant arguing and it became really aggressive,” he said.

Forensics crews on the scene. Picture: David Crosling

“The guy told her to shut up, then it went all quiet as they went inside. That’s what we heard – full screaming – but then it quietened down.”

A laneway leading into the large apartment complex was cordoned off Thursday.

Detectives came to and from the scene, having brief discussions with the officers guarding the street.

Only residents of the complex were allowed to enter and exit the taped off area, with police seen checking their IDs as they came in.