BENTLEY, PERTH: A 16-year-old boy has been taken into police custody after his mother was allegedly stabbed to death and his 12-year-old sister was critically injured in a suspected family violence incident at a home in Perth’s south-east.
The young girl managed to escape the house despite suffering serious injuries and sought help from members of the public, who assisted her before emergency services arrived.
Where Did the Incident Happen?
The incident began at a home in Bentley, a suburb about 8 kilometres south-east of Perth’s CBD.
Western Australia Police were called to the property shortly before 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday after receiving reports of a serious incident.
A short time later, officers located the injured 12-year-old girl in nearby Cannington, where she had managed to flee and call for help.
A crime scene has been established at the Bentley home as detectives continue their investigation.
What Happened?
According to investigators, a 35-year-old woman and her 12-year-old daughter suffered injuries consistent with stab wounds inside the Bentley residence.
Police believe the young girl escaped the home after the attack and made her way to nearby Cannington, where members of the public stopped to help her and contacted emergency services.
When officers arrived at the Bentley property, they found the woman’s body inside the home. She died at the scene.
Paramedics treated the injured girl before she was rushed to Perth Children’s Hospital, where she remains in a serious but stable condition.
Who Are the Victims?
Police have not publicly released the identities of the victims.
Authorities have confirmed the deceased is a 35-year-old woman, while the surviving victim is her 12-year-old daughter.
The family is receiving support from specialist services, and police have requested that their privacy be respected during the investigation.
Teenage Boy Arrested
A 16-year-old boy, who is related to both victims, was arrested by police shortly after the incident.
He is currently assisting detectives with their inquiries.
As of Tuesday morning:
- No charges have been laid.
- The teenager remains in police custody.
- Police confirmed the boy was previously known to police, but did not provide further details about his prior interactions with law enforcement.
