A one-year-old child has died in hospital after an alleged stabbing in the Blue Mountains, bringing the number of children killed in the incident to two.
NSW Police confirmed the death on Thursday, four days after emergency services were called to Waratah Road at Valley Heights, west of Sydney. A five-year-old boy died at the scene on Sunday, while a three-year-old child remains in a critical condition.
A 42-year-old woman has been charged over the incident. Police say she will face a second murder charge following the death of the one-year-old. The allegations have not been tested in court.
Emergency response at Valley Heights
Emergency services were called to Valley Heights at about 12.45pm on Sunday after members of the public found a woman and three children with stab wounds in and around a parked vehicle.
Bystanders called Triple Zero and provided first aid before police and paramedics arrived. The five-year-old could not be saved. Paramedics treated the woman and the two younger children before taking them to Westmead Hospital and the Children’s Hospital at Westmead in critical conditions.
Police announced on Thursday that the youngest child had died from their injuries. The three-year-old continued to receive treatment and remained critically ill at the time of the latest update.
The incident prompted a major emergency response and the establishment of a crime scene on Waratah Road, a residential street near Springwood. Detectives have been examining the vehicle and the surrounding area as they work to establish the sequence of events.
Additional murder charge expected
The woman was initially charged with one count of murder, marked as a domestic violence offence, and two counts of causing wounding or grievous bodily harm with intent to murder, also marked as domestic violence offences.
Police said she would now face an additional murder charge over the death of the one-year-old. She has not been publicly named for legal reasons and was refused bail after appearing in court earlier this week.
The matter is due to return to Penrith Local Court on November 20. The remaining charges may also be reviewed as investigators receive updated medical and forensic evidence.
Under Australian law, a person charged with an offence is presumed innocent unless and until found guilty. No court has made findings about the circumstances alleged by police.
Community members provided first aid
Police and news reports have highlighted the actions of the people who came across the vehicle and tried to help. Several members of the public administered first aid while emergency services were on their way.
The confrontation with seriously injured children and an adult was described by police earlier in the week as a deeply traumatic experience for witnesses and first responders. Support has been made available to emergency personnel who attended the scene.
The incident has shocked the Blue Mountains community and renewed attention on the human toll of domestic and family violence. Police have not released a detailed account of what allegedly occurred inside the vehicle or identified a motive.
Investigation remains active
Detectives are continuing to collect witness statements, forensic material and any available footage from the Valley Heights area. Police have previously said they were not seeking another person in connection with the incident.
Anyone with information that may assist the investigation can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Information can be provided anonymously.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic or family violence, 1800RESPECT is available on 1800 737 732 or at 1800respect.org.au. In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
