As their neighbourhood mourns, further information regarding the mother who is allegedly responsible for her two sons’ deaths at their Blue Mountains home has surfaced.
Yesterday afternoon, their father discovered the bodies of Ben, age nine, and Russell, age eleven, in a residence in Faulconbridge.
When the police arrived, Trish Smith, their 42-year-old mother, was brought into custody and her injuries were deemed to be self-inflicted.
An official photo of brothers Ben and Russell, who were discovered dead in a house near Faulconbridge.
The investigators will claim that she caused the fatalities, although no formal charges have been brought against her.
She is still in the hospital, supervised by cops.
Smith seems to be a typical Blue Mountains resident online, and the police have reported that there were no overt warning signs.
She had previously blogged on the effects of urban agriculture on her mental health and been a guest on an internet podcast about the subject.
“I feel really grateful that I have access to education and support to understand my mental health better,” she stated.
Additionally, she just converted the family’s house into a farm.
The neighbourhood is in mourning for the brothers’ passing, even as authorities continue to put together a motive.
The lads went Our Lady of the Nativity school, where flowers were placed outside.
There, guidance and support have been made available to students.
Russell had competed for the school in track and field, and Ben had recently won an award in computer studies.
Smith’s friend stated that she was “in disbelief” today.
“I never in my wildest dreams thought Trish would hurt anyone,” she stated. “She always had a nice smile.”
Speaking to the media today, both Premier Chris Minns and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese discussed the tragedy.
“I want to assure that the people of NSW are behind him today as his life is turned upside down,” Minns told.
“It’s a horrible, distressing event.”
“This is devastating and frankly and hard to comprehend such a tragedy,” Albanese added.
