A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder and attempted unlawful killing following a fatal stabbing at a home in Bentley, a suburb in Perth’s south-east, in an incident that has deeply shaken the local community.
Western Australia Police allege the teenager fatally stabbed his 35-year-old mother during the incident, which unfolded on Tuesday morning. Emergency services responded to the family residence after receiving reports of a serious disturbance.
When officers arrived at the scene, they located the woman deceased inside the home. Police also found that the family’s 12-year-old daughter had sustained stab wounds but had managed to escape the residence in search of help.
According to authorities, the injured girl made her way to a nearby highway, where members of the public stopped to assist her. Bystanders provided lifesaving first aid until paramedics arrived. She was subsequently transported by ambulance to Perth Children’s Hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
The 16-year-old has since been charged with one count of murder and one count of attempting to unlawfully kill. He appeared before the Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday.
Western Australia Police Acting Inspector Jessica Securo acknowledged the profound impact the incident has had on those connected to the family and the wider community.
“This incident will have a significant impact on the family, friends and loved ones of all those involved,” she said. “Our thoughts are with them all, particularly the 12-year-old girl.”
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Support services are available for anyone affected by this tragedy, and authorities continue to ask that the family’s privacy be respected during this difficult time.