Second teen charged with murder after fatal stabbing of 17-year-old at Rouse Hill reserve
A 15-year-old boy accused of the stabbing murder of another Sydney teen broke down in tears while looking at his parents as he learned he would spend Christmas in jail on remand.
An baby-faced alleged killer charged over the murder of a 17-year-old boy started sobbing as he faced a children’s court on Wednesday.
Two days earlier, emergency services were called to Bruce Purser Reserve at Rouse Hill at 4.20pm after the 17-year-old had been fatally stabbed in the leg.
The incident unfolded behind Rouse Hill High School in a parkland area frequented by local families.
Police have previously alleged the attack was unprovoked, despite the victim and alleged offenders being known to each other.
In Children’s Court today, the 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, broke down as soon as he looked at his parents who were sitting in the back of the courtroom to support him.
Second teen charged with murder after fatal stabbing of 17-year-old at Rouse Hill reserve
The teenager lifted his grey jumper to wipe away tears as he learnt he would be spending Christmas behind bars after no bail was applied for.
The boy’s lawyer Joseph Nashed requested an interpreter for his client’s parents for the next court appearance.
Magistrate Megan Heywood told the defendant he would next front court via video link on January 23.
“Today we have adjourned the matter to the 23rd of January because police need time to get their evidence together and provide that to your lawyers … and that takes a little bit of time,” she said. The boy waved at his parents as he was taken back into custody.
In tense scenes outside court, the boy’s lawyer Joseph Nashed appeared to trip and collide with a photographer and cameraman.
Detectives and the Homicide Squad formed Strike Force Crawton to investigate, charging a 15-year-old boy earlier this week over his alleged role in the stabbing. He faced court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody.
Following further inquiries, officers executed a search warrant at a home in Rouse Hill, just after 9.45pm on Tuesday night.
A second 15-year-old boy was arrested and taken to Castle Hill Police Station, where he was charged with murder. He was refused bail and is due to face a children’s court on Wednesday.
Following the second teen’s arrest, Commander of the Hills Police Area Command, Superintendent Naomi Moore addressed the media, stating they allege the attack was targeted.
“Over the course of the last few days, we’ve managed to investigate and gather further evidence that now supports the second person who’s been arrested played an active role,” she said.
“The 15-year-olds and the 17-year-old were all known to each other and as I said on Monday night, I maintain that this was not a random attack.
“There is some knowledge between these parties.”
Police also confirmed a kitchen knife had been found at the scene, however police cannot confirm if this was the murder weapon.
Sup. Moore also confirmed police have been in contact with the school where the stabbing occurred.
“The welfare of the community and the welfare of the families involved are paramount to us right now,” she said.
“In terms of the schools nearby, we have been in there constantly over the last few days.
“We are continuously working with them, bringing some assurance, keeping them up to date with information that allows them to keep their students safe and not to be living in fear.”
She also wanted to stress the message police are sending is not just for other teens, but their parents as well.
“Young people really understanding the consequences of their actions,” Sup. Moore said.
“Not just the consequences of going before court or custodial sentenced, but the consequences for your families and for the families of those that you have impacted.
“We now have three families in this community that will not have their children at home for Christmas.”
On Wednesday morning, dozens of bouquets and handwritten tributes were laid at the park, as friends, family and locals returned to the spot where the teenager was killed.
Among the tributes were messages of grief and anger.
“This should never have happened,” one note read.
“The authorities should have acted sooner to prevent this tragedy.”
“I’m sorry it happened. You had a whole life ahead of you.”
The developments come as friends and loved ones continue to mourn the 17-year-old, who was remembered as a “beautiful boy” by his girlfriend and whose death has shocked the local community.
Videos and tributes have poured onto social media, with many young people returning to the reserve to lay flowers and pay their respects.
Meanwhile, the first teen charged is expected to remain behind bars over Christmas after not applying for bail during his initial court appearance.
A magistrate was told the boy allegedly donned a balaclava and hood before the stabbing and was identified by several witnesses.
The fatal stabbing has left the Rouse Hill community reeling, prompting the local MP to deliver a fierce warning about what he says is spiralling youth and knife violence across Sydney.
Kellyville state Liberal MP Ray Williams, whose electorate covers Rouse Hill, said he would no longer “stand by” amid fears his community had become “target practice” for young offenders.
He said youth violence is “surging” and the state government is failing to respond.
“We’ve got an issue with a soft state government… Jack’s Law is great, but we don’t have police on every corner,” he said.
“They’re low in numbers already, so you can’t expect them to be everywhere.”
Mr Williams said mandated penalties were needed to stop young offenders carrying knives.
“Unless we take a stronger approach to this, it’s going to continue,” he said.
“You take a weapon out on the street, we’ll whack you in the slammer for six months - that’ll pull them up. We as leaders need to send the strongest possible message.”
The victim cannot be identified for legal reasons.
Police inquiries under Strike Force Crawton are continuing.
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Originally published as Second teen charged with murder after fatal stabbing of 17-year-old at Rouse Hill reserve
