The father of two boys found dead in a home in New South Wales’ Blue Mountains has paid testament to his ‘beautiful boys’.
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.‘
NSW Police are following multiple lines of inquiry into the boys’ deaths – including whether they were drugged.
It’s understood the boys allegedly died as a result of multiple stab wounds while laying in their beds.
However, it remains unclear whether those injuries occurred on the day their bodies were discovered by their dad, or the night before.
The family had no prior history of domestic violence and the mother and father were living in separate homes.
While police established a crime scene, Mr Smith travelled to the nearby Springwood Police Station to speak with homicide detectives.
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 was in lockdown for more than 24 hours as detectives worked to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
Detectives removed bags of evidence from the home, which is on the street which local Springwood High and Springwood Public students make their way to school.