Joshua Smith: Two men charged with affray after fatal Mt Druitt stabbing in which 13yo faces murder count
Two more men have been charged after a Sydney father-of-three was allegedly stabbed to death by a 13-year-old boy.
Two more men have been charged in connection to the death of a 36-year-old father allegedly murdered by a 13-year-old boy.
The shocking crime has already led to the arrests of two teenage males - one of which was the 13-year-old - after dad Joshua Smith was found with severe stab wounds to his torso before 9pm on Friday 9 October at Cleeve Close, Mt Druitt.
Police responding to reports of an assault in the area attempted to render medical assistance to Smith before paramedics arrived, but he died at the scene.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Police began an investigation into the incident with the NSW Homicide Squad under Strike Force Lanilo.
7NEWS aired footage showing that there were about a dozen people at the Mt Druitt park where an incident involving Mr Smith allegedly escalated into violence.
Police say Mr Smith had met a group of young family friends and was withdrawing money from an ATM to help them get home, when he was allegedly stabbed by the 13-year-old who was nearby.
“Another group of young people took offence to the conversation that male was having with those groups of people,” NSW Police Superintendent Darrin Batchelor said.
“As a result of that, we now stand here today with that 36-year-old male now (allegedly) murdered.”
Following extensive inquiries, investigators initially arrested two boys – the 13-year-old and another male youth aged 16 – in Mount Druitt and Cabramatta.
Both were charged and remain before the courts.
Following further inquiries, about 5.45pm on Tuesday 13 October, an 18-year-old man was arrested at an address in Mulgoa and taken to St Mary’s Police Station.
About 9.45pm the same day, investigators arrested a 35-year-old man in Mount Druitt before he was taken to Mount Druitt Police Station.
Both men were charged with affray.
They were both refused bail, with the 18-year-old man to appear before Penrith Local Court and the 35-year-old man to appear before Mount Druitt Local Court.
Mr Smith has been described as a “beautiful” father of three young children who will be “forever missed” by his family and friends.
“He made people smile, laugh, and most of all lived for his children,” friend Lauren Partridge said on GoFundMe.
“Joshua Smith was a hardworking dad whose life was suddenly and tragically taken. He leaves behind three beautiful children who have lost their dad far too soon.”
Anyone with any information or footage is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
