Parents of boys allegedly killed by their grandmother paid tribute as murder charges are laid

The parents of two boys who were allegedly killed by their grandmother in Coonabarabran have paid tribute to their sons, just as murder charges are laid in the case.

The parents of two boys who were allegedly killed by their grandmother in Coonabarabran this week have paid tribute to their sons, just as the police announce murder charges in the case.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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.

The tribute comes as the police lay charges against the 66-year-old.

The police have charged Ms Heggs with two counts of murder over the death of her two grandsons.

She was refused bail and will appear at Parramatta Bail Court on Saturday.

A crime scene has been established and officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District have commenced an investigation under Strike Force Darnum, assisted by detectives from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.