By Perry Duffin
Students at a Sydney high school are struggling to come to terms with the alleged murder of a 15-year-old classmate as teachers and counsellors guide classes through a second major tragedy in just two years.
Police are investigating whether the boy was intoxicated by drugs before he was allegedly stabbed to death by a knife-wielding chef.
Jacob Greig has been charged with murder after allegedly stabbing the 15-year-old boy.Credit:
The teenage boy was camping with a group of friends at Milton Weir, near Picton, on Friday night when two of them were picked up from the quiet bush road into their campsite.
The boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, allegedly approached a red Hyundai and broke the rear door handle trying to get in.
He wanted a lift home, too, Parramatta bail court heard on Sunday.
Instead, local chef Jacob Greig allegedly emerged from the passenger seat armed with a large knife.
Greig allegedly swore at the teen, threatening to chop his hand off, while the teen answered with strange, soft replies, according to a police document.
Chef Jacob Greig is accused of murdering the teen near a bush camping area near Picton.Credit:
“I love my girlfriend, bro,” the teenager allegedly pleaded with Greig.
“Lad, we live in the same world,” the teenager said.
Seconds later, police allege, Greig slashed the boy with the blade.
He would later tell investigators the teenager had knocked his glasses off and jumped on the car, driven by his female friend.
Police would later allegedly find a bloodied knife at Greig’s home and charge him with murder.
The police fact-sheet claims the teenager was intoxicated, but forensic tests were still under way.
Police sources say they are investigating whether he had consumed hallucinogenic drugs.
Friends of the teenager on Monday filled social media with images of white doves and tributes.
“[He] was one of the sweetest most geniune most loyal boys ive ever known,” one said.
“He always had my back through everything and always made sure to check up on me, i am beyond shocked that someone is that disgusting to [allegedly] murder somebody.”
Many of those grieving the teen are classmates from Picton High, the same school that lost five students in one of the worst car crashes in the city’s living memory.
Then-18-year-old Tyrell Edwards smashed his speeding ute into trees at Buxton, killing his passengers; three girls and two boys aged between 14 and 16.
“We are deeply saddened by the death of a Picton High School student and offer our care and condolences to the family and loved ones,” a spokesperson from the NSW Department of Education told the Herald on Monday.
“Additional counsellors are at the school to support the family, students, staff and the school community through this difficult time.
“This support will be ongoing.”
With Sarah McPhee
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