Faulconbridge deaths: Police probe if Russell and Ben Smith were drugged before being found dead in their beds

WARNING: DISTURBING CONTENT

New details have emerged surrounding the death of two young boys who were killed in the Blue Mountains, with police now probing if the children had been drugged.

Father, Nick Smith, called triple-0 on Tuesday when he discovered his two sons Russell, 9, and Ben, 11, dead in their beds at their mother’s Faulconbridges home.

The mother, Trish Smith, was taken to Westmead Hospital under police guard where her self-inflicted injuries and her mental state were assessed.

The Daily Telegraph has reported that NSW Police are now investigating if the two boys may have been drugged.

The bodies of the brothers were found in their beds, with multiple stab wounds.

Police have confirmed the two boys went to school as normal on Monday. It is not yet known if those stab wounds were inflicted on Monday or Tuesday.

A major homicide investigation has been launched. NSW Police have not yet laid charges.

Ms Smith ran a business named Farmsmith from her front yard. It is understood that she started the venture, which focused on learning how to farm after she lost her job during the pandemic.

On the Facebook page for her business, she often shared images of her young children.

In a blog post speaking about her business, Ms Smith made comments about her mental health back in 2021.

“Psychological skills are great when things are going well, and essential during a crisis,” she wrote.

“I feel really grateful that I have access to education and support to understand my mental health better, and it’s been empowering in the chaos that has been the last year, to be able to stop, bring awareness to my experience and then take steps to ensure I look after myself.”

The local community has been left heartbroken by the disturbing incident.

Families have been seen visiting the Chapman Parade home, laying flowers, leaving cards and crying over the tragic loss of two young boys who had their whole life ahead of them.

“Rest in peace angels, fly high in heaven,” was written on toy cars left at the scene, a touching tribute sitting next to police tape that surrounds the property.

The brothers attended Our Lady of Nativity, a catholic school in Lawson.

The Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese on Wednesday shared a statement with the grieving community.

“Our Catholic schools community is devastated by the tragic deaths of Ben and Russell, two students of Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School in Lawson,” the statement said.

“Counselling and wellbeing support is available to students and staff at Our Lady of the Nativity today and will continue to be provided in the coming weeks.

“The care and kindness of the broader Blue Mountains community at this difficult time is much appreciated.

“With police investigations continuing, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”

Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Our whole community is hurting.”

“The pain is palpable.

“Two beautiful little souls are lost to us in the most devastating of circumstances.

“I know their extended family will be embraced by all.

Anyone with information that may help police in their investigations is urged to come forward.

Lifeline: 13 11 14.

Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.

Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000