- Two sons found dead in Blue Mountains home
- Shatteerd father broke silence on Thursday
The father of two boys found dead in a home in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains has broken his silence.
Russell and Ben Smith, aged nine and 11, were found dead in their beds by their father Nick Smith in a home on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge just before 12.40pm on Tuesday.
Their mum Trish Smith, 42, was arrested and airlifted to Westmead Hospital for treatment to self-inflicted cuts to her wrists. No charges have been laid.
Mr Smith released a statement on Thursday sharing his devastation.
‘The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress,’ he said.
‘Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends.
‘Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup.
‘We cannot understand how our boys have been taken this way and we appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.
‘We also ask the media respects our need for privacy at this time, and give us the time and space we need to grieve.’
Russell and Ben Smith, aged nine and 11, were found dead in their beds by their father Nick Smith in a home on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge just before 12.40pm on Tuesday
The boys’ mother remains in hospital under police guard as investigators await for clearance from mental health professionals to question her.
NSW Police are investigating whether the children were drugged before their deaths, the Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday.
With no history of domestic violence in the family, investigators are inquiring about how the happy family allegedly deteriorated into such a horrific incident.
It’s understood the boys died as a result of multiple stab wounds while laying in their beds.
However, it remains unclear whether it occurred on the day their bodies were discovered by their dad, or the night before.
As police established a crime scene at the home, Mr Smith – who had not been living with the family at the time of the tragedy – travelled to the nearby Springwood Police Station to assist homicide detectives with their investigation.
The former couple, who first bought the home 14 years ago, were well-known and liked members of the close-knit community and regular attendees at the local Christmas street party.
Ms Smith worked for the state government’s Greater Sydney Local Land Service, while her former husband is Big W’s head of replenishment.
The crime scene has been in lockdown for more than 24 hours as detectives work to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Mr Smith’s Mercedes-Benz station wagon has remained outside the family’s property, which is cordoned off by police tape.
Detectives were still removing bags of evidence on Wednesday morning as devastated local residents ferried their children past the home on the way to the local Springwood High and Springwood Public schools at the end of the street.
