Two young boys, aged seven and six, were allegedly murdered by their grandmother shortly before police were called to their home and found the boys’ bodies in separate bedrooms. This incident has completely shaken the small community of Coonabarabran in northwest NSW.
Kathleen Heggs, 66, appeared in court for the first time on Saturday and will remain in custody for at least another 10 days after making no bail application. She was charged the previous day, following her hospital stay after the boys’ bodies were found in their home on Monday afternoon.
Two junior police officers entered the property, located about 10km from the town center, responding to a message sent to the community and justice department. They found the boys’ bodies and also discovered their maternal grandmother, Heggs, nearby after she allegedly attempted to harm herself.
According to court documents, Heggs is accused of killing the boys as early as 10.30am that day. During her brief video appearance in court, she indicated her understanding of the charges she is facing. Bail was formally refused, and she will appear in Dubbo Local Court on May 21.
On Friday night, hundreds of community members gathered for a vigil at Neilson Park to mourn the loss of the young lives. Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady, who helped organize the event, paid tribute to the boys with a poem. He described them as “little pocket rockets, bold and free.”
The vigil provided a safe space for the community to come together and grieve, with attendees including emergency services personnel, local sports club representatives, community leaders, and friends. Cr. Brady noted that everyone, even those who didn’t know the boys, felt the need to be there and found solace in the collective grief.
The atmosphere during the vigil was calm and peaceful, with balloons released against the backdrop of the sunset. A tree was planted for each boy, and a ceremonial presentation of their karate belts, which they were due to receive, took place. The boys’ karate class also performed a traditional routine.
Please remember that if you or someone you know is struggling, the crisis support service Lifeline can be reached at 13 11 14 in Australia. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on freephone 116 123, or via email. In the US, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 988, and other international helplines can be found at befrienders.org.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/may/09/grandmother-charged-with-of-two-boys-in-coonabarabran-in-nsw
