A 66-year-old grandmother in New South Wales, Australia, is under investigation and expected to face serious criminal charges after her two young grandsons — aged 6 and 7 — were found dead inside her home. The tragic case has shocked the local community of Coonabarabran, a quiet country town.
What Happened?
On Monday, May 5, police officers responded to Emu Lane in Coonabarabran after receiving a concern for welfare report. Upon arrival, they found the bodies of two boys, aged 6 and 7, inside the house. The younger child was found in a front bedroom, and the older child was found in another bedroom, according to NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland.
One of the boys had reportedly been diagnosed with cancer, though it is unclear if it played any role in his death.
The Grandmother Was Their Sole Caregiver
Police confirmed that the boys had been living with their grandmother for some time. The Department of Communities and Justice had previously removed the boys from their biological parents’ care, and they had been staying with their grandmother for the past 11 months after moving from the NSW Central Coast.
She was considered their sole carer.
Grandmother Arrested After Incident
The grandmother was found at the scene and had reportedly self-harmed, according to 9 News Australia. She was initially taken to Dubbo Hospital and later moved to a mental health facility in Orange for treatment and evaluation.
Police said she had called child protection authorities herself to report the deaths before they arrived. She remains under hospital guard, and upon her release, she is expected to be taken into police custody.
“It is likely she will face serious charges,” Assistant Commissioner Holland said.
Treated as Double Murder
The case is currently being treated as an alleged double murder by the NSW Police.
“It’s a confronting tragedy that should not have occurred,” Holland stated, calling it incomprehensible and shocking, especially for a small, close-knit town like Coonabarabran.
He also acknowledged the emotional toll on the police officers who discovered the children. While one officer has returned to duty, another is reportedly struggling to cope with what he witnessed.
Community Reacts With Grief and Shock
NSW Premier Chris Minns offered his condolences, saying:
“What has occurred is terrible, and as a state, we share in the community’s grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them.”
He also thanked the responding officers for their bravery and professionalism in handling such a distressing scene.