Parents of boys allegedly killed by their grandmother in Coonabarabran speak out

The parents of two boys who were allegedly killed by their grandmother in Coonabarabran have paid tribute to their sons.

The parents of two boys who were allegedly killed by their grandmother in Coonabarabran this week have 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.

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

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 Parents of boys allegedly killed by their grandmother in Coonabarabran speak out