In a shocking incident that has left a community reeling, a mother has been arrested after allegedly stabbing her three children in their Baulkham Hills home in Sydney’s northwest early Monday morning. Police responded to the distressing scene at approximately 5:15 AM on March 31, 2025, following reports of multiple stabbings.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 10-year-old boy, a 13-year-old girl, and a 16-year-old girl, all with stab wounds, alongside their 47-year-old mother, who also had self-inflicted injuries. The eldest child, who is paraplegic, suffered stab wounds to her abdomen and arm, while the 13-year-old girl sustained three stab wounds to her abdomen and arm. The youngest, a 10-year-old boy, had two superficial stab wounds to his chest.
Detective Superintendent Naomi Moore, addressing the media, indicated that the children and their father were likely asleep in their rooms when the alleged attack occurred. “We believe the father was in the home at the time, we believe the father and the children were all in their rooms – potentially all asleep – when the mother has carried out this act,” she stated. The father, awakened by screams, intervened by securing the knife allegedly used in the attack and contacting the police.
“It’s tragic, it’s sad – it’s certainly not something that my staff or I want to wake up to on a Monday morning,” Moore added, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the incident. She noted that the family had no prior history with police and there were no known issues of domestic violence. “This is probably completely unexpected,” she said, expressing regret that police had not been able to assist the family earlier.
All four individuals were treated at the scene by paramedics before being transported to Westmead Hospital, where they remain in stable condition under medical care. The mother is currently under police guard as authorities continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Neighbors described the family as quiet and generally well-liked, with one stating, “They’re nice folks really... they’re a peaceful family.” However, some residents noted recent tension, with reports that the father had lost his job a few weeks prior to the incident, which may have contributed to the distress within the household. One neighbor remarked, “There’s been tension in the family.”
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, Hills Shire Council Mayor Michelle Byrne expressed her condolences, stating, “They’re already reeling... As a mum and a mayor, my heart breaks for those children.”
Detective Superintendent Moore confirmed that the police are not looking for any other individuals in connection with the incident, and the investigation is focusing on the mother’s mental health at the time of the stabbings. “The mother’s behavior was described as ‘a bit erratic’ in the lead-up to the alleged stabbing,” Moore noted, indicating that they are treating this as a potential attempted murder-suicide.
In the wake of the incident, local residents have expressed shock and disbelief. “I can’t believe this has happened. I just hope they’re all OK,” one neighbor said. The emotional toll on the community is palpable, as families come to terms with the gravity of the situation.
In Australia, incidents like this highlight the importance of mental health awareness and the need for support systems for families in crisis. Resources such as Lifeline and beyondblue are available for those who may be struggling with mental health issues or domestic violence.
As investigations continue, the focus remains on the well-being of the children and the implications of this tragic event. The community stands united in hope for their recovery, both physically and psychologically.
If you or anyone you know needs support, please reach out to Lifeline at 131 114, beyondblue at 1800 512 348, Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800, or the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service at 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732).
