A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and attempted unlawful killing in connection with the stabbing death of his mother and the serious injury of his 12-year-old sister. The incident occurred at a unit complex in Bentley, Perth, Australia, on Tuesday morning.
Emergency services were called to the residence around 6:15 a.m. and discovered the 35-year-old mother with fatal stab wounds. Her 12-year-old daughter, who had fled the scene, was found approximately 600 meters away on Albany Highway in Cannington, having called for help. She remains in critical but stable condition at Perth Children's Hospital.
CCTV footage captured the young girl, clad in her dressing gown and pajamas, running along Albany Highway in a desperate search for assistance. The footage is timestamped at 6:16 a.m., just one minute after the emergency call was placed. Shortly after, police and ambulance crews were seen racing to the location, where passing motorists had stopped to provide aid to the injured child.
Police have established two crime scenes as their investigation continues. Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo confirmed that there is no ongoing risk to the wider community and acknowledged the significant impact the incident will have on the family, friends, and the community.
Neighbors have reported that the mother had sought help for her son for several years, citing his learning and mental health difficulties. One neighbor described seeing the mother and son together the day before the incident, noting they appeared happy and that the son loved his mother.
Authorities are examining the family's previous interactions with police and support services as part of the investigation. The suspect is known to police.
The incident led to significant traffic disruptions in the area, with a section of Albany Highway temporarily closed. Police are appealing for anyone with information or footage to contact Crime Stoppers.