Faulconbridge deaths: Trish Smith faces court accused of murdering sons Russell and Ben
WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT
Trish Smith has faced court after being charged with murder after allegedly stabbing her two children to death.
On Tuesday, father Nick Smith discovered his two boys Russell, 11 and Ben, nine, dead in their beds with multiple stab wounds.
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The mother was taken to Westmead Hospital under police guard for treatment.
Police waited days before being able to speak with Ms Smith, finally on Friday charging the mother with murder.
On Friday night, police said: “The woman was released from hospital where she was taken to Parramatta Police Station and charged with two counts of murder (DV).”
On Saturday, Ms Smith attended court via video link.
She only spoke to confirm her name and to say she understood what the magistrate had said.
Ms Smith has been refused bail and will now remain in custody until her next hearing in November.
The charges come after NSW Premier Chris Minns revealed Ms Smith has been sacked from her government job over mental health concerns.
“The information I’ve been given so far is . . . the employee was let go from a NSW government agency,” Mr Minns said on Friday.
“It was challenged in the Industrial Relations Commission, the original decision of the government department was upheld, and I believe it was handled appropriately.”
The premier said government departments would cooperate with any of the “major inquiries” he forecast into the tragedy.
“Both from the homicide squad and the NSW Police as well as potentially the Coroner’s Court as well,” Mr Minns said.
“If new information comes to light, of course, government agencies and the NSW government will supply that to any independent investigation that takes place, this is a very serious alleged crime.”
Mr Smith and Ms Smith are separated.
The father said he is in “unimaginable pain” after discovering his two sons dead in their beds.
“The loss of our two beautiful boys has caused unimaginable pain and distress,” Mr Smith said in a statement on behalf of himself and family.
“Russell and Ben were happy, funny, outgoing boys, and were very much loved by their family and friends.
“Like other boys their age, they loved sports, soccer, the Penrith Panthers, fishing, books, music, spending time with their friends and Max their pup.
“We cannot understand how our boys have been taken this way and we appreciate the kindness and compassion shown by the community.”
Mr Smith asked for the family’s privacy to be respected as they take time and space to grieve their unimaginable loss.
Lifeline: 13 11 14.
If you or someone you know needs help, phone SANE Australia Helpline on 1800 18 SANE (7263).
Young people seeking support can phone beyondblue on 1300 22 4636 or go to headspace.org.au.
Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000