A community in Australia’s Blue Mountains is reeling after the deaths of two young boys and the arrest of their mother on murder charges. The incident, which occurred in the town of Faulconbridge, about 50 miles west of Sydney, has left neighbors and family members shocked and searching for answers.
On Tuesday, September 10, 2024, emergency services responded to a call at a home in Faulconbridge following concerns about the welfare of a woman and two children. Upon arrival, they made a grim discovery. The bodies of two boys, aged nine and 11, were found stabbed inside the house. Their mother, 42-year-old Trish Smith, was also at the scene with apparent self-inflicted injuries to her wrists.
The boys’ father, Nick Smith, who is separated from Trish and lives at a different address, had gone to the home and made the horrifying discovery. He immediately called emergency services. The boys were identified as Russell, 9, and Ben, 11.
Trish Smith was initially taken to a hospital in critical but stable condition. After being released from the hospital on Friday, she was taken to Parramatta police station, where she was charged with two counts of domestic violence-related murder. She was refused bail and made her first court appearance on Saturday at Parramatta Local Court.
Smith’s court appearance was brief, and she did not seek bail. Following the hearing, her lawyer addressed the media outside the courthouse. The attorney addressed the need for privacy, not only for the immediate family but also for extended relatives, then highlighted that many individuals, including emergency responders who were at the scene, have been deeply affected by the incident. The lawyer stressed that the family is experiencing profound emotional pain as they cope with the aftermath of this tragic event.
The boys’ father, Nick Smith, released a statement expressing his grief and disbelief. “The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress,” he said. “[My sons] were happy, funny, outgoing boys and were very much loved by their family and friends.”
Neighbors described the family as well-liked and active participants in local events. The boys were known for their love of sports, mainly soccer, fishing, books, and music. Trish Smith was often seen taking walks around the neighborhood.
New South Wales police are continuing their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. They have stated that the investigation is still in its early stages and are looking into the background and events leading up to the incident.
Magistrate Michael Stoddart remanded Trish Smith in custody until her next court appearance, which is scheduled for November 8. This will be a committal hearing, where it will be determined if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
