A small plastic bow and arrow lies near a blue teddy bear and a toy lion, poignant symbols of two young lives cut short. The colourful collection of toys, flowers, and candles has been set up in tribute to two brothers who were found dead in a home on the outskirts of the small town of Coonabarabran, in northwest New South Wales, on Monday afternoon, May 5, 2025. The deaths of the boys, Sam aged six and seven-year-old Max, at the semi-rural property are being treated as a double murder.
According to a NSW Police spokeswoman, police are waiting to press charges against their 66-year-old maternal grandmother, who remains in a mental health facility in Orange. “She’s still in hospital, still being treated,” the spokeswoman said on Wednesday.
Several detectives and emergency service workers gathered on the driveway of the property, which remains cordoned off. “It’s a circus,” a passing neighbour remarked, reflecting the chaos and disbelief surrounding the tragic incident.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland urged the town of 2,300 residents to band together after the shocking deaths. “Death in a small community has an impact on the whole community,” he told reporters outside the Coonabarabran police station on Tuesday. “The deaths of two young, innocent boys has a major impact.”
Community members have organized a candlelight vigil in Neilson Park, by the Castlereagh River, on Friday evening, May 9, 2025. They are also encouraging residents to leave their lights on in memory of the brothers. “Let us come together to honour and remember the two little boys who have left us too soon,” the online notice stated. The event aims to be a “gentle reflection, remembrance, and acknowledgement of our collective grief in this very sad time.”
Two junior police officers responded to the home, located about 10 kilometers from the center of the farming town, after a message sent to the communities and justice department triggered an emergency response. Upon arrival, they broke into the home and discovered the younger child’s body in the front bedroom, while the older boy was found in another room. Their grandmother was located nearby after reportedly attempting to harm herself. She was immediately arrested and taken to Dubbo Hospital before being transferred to Orange.
Post-mortem examinations were scheduled for Thursday, May 8, 2025, to confirm the cause of death. The family had moved to the quiet rural estate about 11 months ago, and the boys had been placed in the care of their grandmother by the department due to concerns for their welfare.
Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady described the boys as “firecrackers.” He fondly remembered them as “amongst it all, 100 miles an hour, involved in soccer, karate, wild as march hares and cute as buttons!” Brady shared his heartbreak on social media, reflecting the sentiments of many in the community.
The grandmother is expected to be charged upon her release from the hospital, which could be in the coming days or weeks. Assistant Commissioner Holland emphasized the need for the community to support one another during this difficult time. “These things shock small country towns,” he said. “The death of one child is bad enough - the death of two is just incomprehensible.”
In a statement released late on Monday, May 5, 2025, NSW Premier Chris Minns described the discovery of the boys' bodies as heartbreaking. “What has occurred is terrible and as a state we share in the community of Coonabarabran's grief at the loss of two young boys who had their entire futures ahead of them,” he said. “I cannot begin to imagine the heartbreak their loved ones are currently feeling, including their family, friends, and teachers.”
The community's response to the tragedy has been overwhelming, with many residents expressing their sorrow and disbelief. A memorial has been erected for the two boys, with flowers, soft toys, handwritten notes, and a small monument left near the home where they were discovered. Local resident and Warrumbungle Shire councillor Kodi Brady said the tight-knit community has been left heartbroken following the tragedy. “My heart is broken alongside the whole community,” he posted online.
As the investigation continues, police have confirmed there is no ongoing threat to the community and they are not looking for anyone else in connection to the incident. The boys' karate teacher expressed deep sadness over the news, recalling their close bond and enthusiasm for the sport.
The candlelight vigil, which will take place at Neilson Park, is expected to draw a large crowd as residents come together to mourn the loss of the two young boys. The community plans to complete a smoke ceremony to “honour and cleanse” and will plant “two small trees” in memory of the children, which were kindly donated by a community member. NSW Police confirmed they would be present at the vigil on Friday evening.
As the townspeople prepare to gather for the vigil, the collective grief is palpable. The deaths of Sam and Max have not only left a void in their family but have also shaken the entire community. The hope is that through shared remembrance and support, they can begin to heal from this tragic loss.
