Brothers aged 6 and 7 smothered to death, grandmother arrested

The sole-carer of two young boys found dead in a regional NSW town is expected to be charged, according to senior police.

Two brothers believed to have been smothered to death by their grandmother in regional NSW were popular members of a local karate club and due to get their yellow belts this week.

The young boys, aged six and seven, were found dead at a home in Coonabarabran on Monday afternoon after their grandmother and sole-carer made a welfare call.

Police expect to lay charges against a 66-year-old woman who herself was discovered with self-inflicted injuries after police rushed to the scene in the state’s central west.

Sources say police will allege the grandmother smothered the two children to death.

Peter Wilkie, who taught the boys at a local karate school, said they had been attending since Christmas and their grandmother was a “helpful” volunteer.

Police and fire crews at a home in Coonabarabran where two children were found dead. Picture: NewsWire/Dean Marzollla

He said Wednesday night’s class had been called off out of respect to the boys.

“They were pretty energetic sort of kids, little run-arounds, but they did all right in class,” he said.

“They were due to get their yellow belts on Wednesday night … but that’s the way life is now.

“Everybody knows the kids.”

The younger brother had a form of cancer as a baby and lived in fear of it coming back, news.com.au has been told.

The boys’ maternal grandmother used “to get in and hold the bags for the kids” during class, Mr Wilkie said.

“(She was) just a general mum or nan, you know?” he said.

The incident has rocked the small town. Picture: NewsWire / Dean Marzolla

“She was friendly with the kids, helpful with the kids, not just her kids but others as well.

“It’s devastated the class … we had a first class last night and we were wondering why there wasn’t so many people there.

“There was a few people who were told, they were all upset and crying. It was sort of a breathtaking experience.”

Western Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Andy Holland said in a press conference on Tuesday afternoon that police were treating the deaths as a double murder.

He said first responders on Monday found one boy dead in the front bedroom, where the injured grandmother was also located.

Police activated body worn cameras and the woman spoke to them, Asst Comm Holland said.

“She spoke to police about what had taken place and what had occurred in the house at the time,” he said

It has been revealed the two boys were placed into the care of their maternal grandmother by the Department of Community Justice. They moved to Coonabarabran from The Central Coast about 11 months ago.

Asst Comm Holland said the boys’ parents and other grandparents had been informed. Asked how they were dealing with it, he replied: “not well is probably the best way to put it”.

“It’s a confronting tragedy that shouldn’t have occurred.”

A 66 year old grandmother is in police custody. Picture: Google Maps

Police officers responded to a welfare call after the boys’ grandmother contacted the department.

“I will expect charges to be laid most definitely,” Asst Comm Holland told 2GB’s Ben Fordham, revealing the woman was still being assessed by medical staff.

Asst Comm Holland told Fordam officers were forced to break into the home, and the young officers who made the grisly discovery were being offered counselling and support.

“It must have been an unimaginable tragedy (to witness),” he said.

Asst Comm Holland refused to comment on news.com.au’s revelation that the boys were smothered when quizzed by Fordham on Tuesday.

An autopsy is expected to be conducted on Thursday morning.

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb said the horrific incident that unfolded on Monday afternoon was a terrible tragedy and absolutely heartbreaking for the two children, the family and the entire community.
Also speaking on Monday afternoon, NSW Premier Chris Minns shared his condolences with the boys’ friends and family, as well as the wider community.

“What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,” he said.

“I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends, and teachers.”

Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady described the little boys as firecracker kids.

“My heart is broken alongside the whole community,” he said.

“They were amongst it all, 100 miles an hour, involved in soccer, karate, wild as march hares and cute as buttons. So devastating for all.”

He urged anyone in the tight-knit community that is struggling to reach out.

“If anyone needs anything at all, a shoulder to lean on, a cuppa or just a yarn please sing out.”

Officers from Orana Mid-Western Police District and detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad are investigating the deaths under Strike Force Darnum.