- Two sons found dead in Blue Mountains home
- Shattered’s father broke his silence on Thursday
The father of two boys found dead in a home in the Blue Mountains of New South Wales has broken his silence.
Russell and Ben Smith, aged 9 and 11, were found dead in their beds by their father Nick Smith at a house on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge at around 12.40pm on Tuesday.
Their mother Trish Smith, 42, was arrested and airlifted to Westmead Hospital for treatment of self-inflicted cuts to her wrists. No charges have been filed.
Mr Smith expressed his dismay in a statement on Thursday.
“The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and sadness,” he said.
‘Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys and were much loved by their family and friends.
‘Like other boys their age, they enjoyed sports, football, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max, their dog.
‘We cannot understand how our boys were taken in this manner and we are grateful for the kindness and compassion of the community.
“We also ask the media to respect our need for privacy during this time and to 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 at a house on Chapman Parade in Faulconbridge just before 12.40pm on Tuesday
New South Wales police are investigating several theories about the boys’ deaths, including whether they were under the influence of drugs.
It appears that the boys died from multiple stab wounds while lying in bed.
However, it is still unclear whether the injuries occurred on the day their bodies were found by their father, or the night before.
Because there is no domestic violence in the family, detectives are investigating how the happy family could spiral into such a terrible decline.
While police established a crime scene at the home, Mr Smith, who was not living with the family at the time of the tragedy, travelled to nearby Springwood police station to assist detectives with their investigation.
The former couple, who bought the house 14 years ago, were well-known and beloved members of the close-knit community and regulars at the local Christmas street party.
Ms Smith worked for the state government’s Greater Sydney Local Land Service, while her ex-husband is head of supplies at Big W.
The crime scene has been sealed off for more than 24 hours as investigators attempt to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.
Mr Smith’s Mercedes-Benz station wagon remains outside the family’s property, which is cordoned off with police tape.
On Wednesday morning, detectives were still busy removing bags of evidence as shocked residents walked their children past the house on their way to local schools Springwood High and Springwood Public at the end of the street.