SerpApi.Org
- Do you know more? Email [email protected]
A teenage boy accused of stabbing his mother to death and allegedly attempting to kill his younger sister has been charged - as chilling footage emerged of the young girl's frantic dash for help.
Emergency services were called to a Mills Street unit complex in Bentley, in Perth's south-east about 6.15am on Tuesday, where they found the mother, 35, with fatal stab wounds.
Her 12-year-old daughter was also seriously injured but managed to flee the horrific scene and call Triple Zero before she was found 600m away on Albany Highway in Cannington.
A teenage boy, 16, was arrested and taken into custody.
Homicide squad detectives confirmed Wednesday morning that the boy has been charged with murder and attempted unlawful killing.
He will face Perth Children’s Court on Wednesday.
Neighbours have since revealed that the mother for many years had begged authorities for help with her son.
CCTV from a nearby business showed the boy's sister, still wearing her dressing gown and pyjamas, making a frantic dash along Albany Highway in search of help.
The footage is timestamped at 6.16am - just one minute after the call to emergency services.
Minutes later, the same cameras captured police and ambulance crews with sirens blaring racing along Albany Highway to the scene, where passing motorists had stopped to provide the seriously injured girl with life-saving first aid.
The girl was rushed to Perth Children's Hospital, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
Police are treating the incident as a suspected family violence homicide.
A shocked neighbour recalled seeing the woman and her teenage son together outside the home the day before the tragedy.
'They were looking happy together,' the woman told The West Australian.
'He loved his mum.'
The woman also revealed that the mother had been trying for years to get help for her son, who had learning and mental health difficulties.
Two crime scenes were established as investigations continue.
'I can confirm there is no ongoing risk to the wider community,' Detective Acting Inspector Jessica Securo told reporters.
'This incident will have a significant impact on the family, friends and loved ones of all those involved, as well as the broader community.'
'Our thoughts are with them all, particularly the 12-year-old girl who remains in hospital receiving treatment.'
Police will also examine any previous interactions officers had with the family.
'The suspect is known to police. However, we will explore any interactions that person has had with police,' Det Securo said.
'That will form part of our investigation, to look at all incidents involving police, support services and what led to this incident occurring.'
A heavy presence remained at the home on Tuesday afternoon as detectives door-knocked the neighbourhood.
Police also sought CCTV from businesses along the highway where the injured girl was found.
Det Securo thanked the bystanders who provided 'life-saving care' to the injured girl.
The incident caused major traffic disruptions in the area after a section of Albany Highway was closed for several hours.
Anyone with information or footage regarding the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732
Read more
