Shattered father of Blue Mountains boys killed in suspected murder suicide attempt recounts the harrowing moment he found their lifeless bodies

The shocked father of two young boys, suspected of being murdered by their mother in a suicide attempt, has told police of the harrowing moment he discovered their lifeless bodies.

Retail manager Nick Smith rushed to his ex’s home in the quiet village of Faulconbridge, in the Blue Mountains west of Sydney, on Tuesday afternoon after failing to raise his former partner, Trish Smith.

Their two young sons, 11-year-old Russell and 9-year-old Ben, had not arrived at Our Lady of the Nativity Primary School in the nearby village of Lawson that morning as expected.

But nothing could have prepared their father for the horrific scene he encountered when he arrived at their modest bungalow on quiet Chapman Parade shortly before 12.40am.

Both children were dead – suffering from stab wounds – while their 42-year-old mother lay on the floor bleeding from cuts to her wrists.

After calling 911, Mr Smith waited at the scene alongside his sons until police and emergency services arrived.

Ms Smith was airlifted under police guard to Westmead Hospital, where she was treated for her self-inflicted injuries before being arrested.

While police established a crime scene at the home, Mr Smith, who was not living with the family at the time of the tragedy, travelled to nearby Springwood police station to assist detectives with their investigation.

No charges have been filed for the incident to date.

The former couple, who bought the house 14 years ago, were well-known and beloved members of the close-knit community and regulars at the local Christmas street party.

Ms Smith worked for the state government’s Greater Sydney Local Land Service, while her ex-husband is head of supplies at Big W.

The crime scene has been sealed off for more than 24 hours as investigators attempt to piece together the events that led to the tragedy.

Mr Smith’s Mercedes-Benz station wagon remains outside the family’s property, which is cordoned off with police tape.

On Wednesday morning, detectives were still busy removing bags of evidence as shocked residents walked their children past the house on their way to local schools Springwood High and Springwood Public at the end of the street.

Residents placed memorial statues in front of the home on Wednesday as investigators continued to investigate the crime scene.

Flowers were also laid at the Catholic primary school they attended, about 8 miles away.

The young brothers were popular students and appeared in dozens of Facebook posts showing them smiling as they accepted awards.

They were still at school on Monday, but detectives are now investigating the cause of their absence on Tuesday, in preparation for the tragic events that would later unfold at their home.

The Diocese of Parramatta Catholic Schools issued a statement on behalf of the school saying everyone who knew the boys was deeply saddened by their loss.

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

Students and staff of Our Lady of the Nativity can count on guidance and well-being support today and in the coming weeks.

‘The care and kindness of the wider Blues Mountains community during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

‘Because the police investigation is still ongoing, we cannot provide any further information at this time.’

Blue Mountains Commander John Nelson said local officers were being assisted by detectives from the State Crime Command’s homicide squad.

Investigations are underway to determine whether Mrs Smith may have suffered from a psychotic disorder in the run-up to the tragedy.

Asked if Mrs Smith had a history of mental health problems, he confirmed that the mother was ‘known to us but only on less serious matters so it would not be appropriate to comment on that at this stage’.

Many of the family’s neighbours told Daily Mail Australia they were too shocked by the violent nature of the alleged killings to fully process it.

On Tuesday afternoon, they were surprised by the sound of police cars on their normally quiet street, just 500 yards from the famous Norman Lindsay Gallery.

Photos on social media show the family beaming with joy as they pose for photos with Santa, enjoy the family holiday and explore the wilderness around the Blue Mountains.

Just eight months ago, Google Street View images captured children’s Christmas decorations hanging in the front yard of the family’s home.

Ms Smith previously referenced mental health online, while working during the coronavirus lockdown. She wrote: ‘Mental health isn’t just for people with a diagnosis.’

Retired Detective Constable Steve Ticehurst, who lives around the corner from the young family, said they were much-loved members of the close-knit community.

“They seemed like a very happy family. They’ve lived here for years and you would never expect something like this to happen,” he told Daily Mail Australia.

‘They all came together to the local Christmas party and seemed like the perfect family.

‘The mother was known for taking walks in the area in the afternoon and we would always have a chat.

“There was never any indication that anything was wrong. I couldn’t say a bad word about them.”

Another neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said the entire neighborhood was shocked by the incident.

“You always saw her walking through the streets with her dogs and out with her sons,” the local resident said.

‘They were nice young guys.

“You would never think something like this could happen here – it’s a quiet community.”

Residents said they had not seen Mr Smith “for a while” but that he would occasionally accompany the children and their mother to local events.

Neighbor Barbara Faith said she regularly saw the two brothers returning from school on their bicycles.

“They had their helmets on and they did what they were supposed to do… I just thought they were nice kids,” Faith told the ABC.

She said that shortly after noon there was a big commotion and that about 20 emergency services rushed through her street.

“It’s such a quiet neighborhood and quiet street that you don’t expect things like that,” she said.

“It’s so sad, I can’t believe this could happen anywhere, let alone on my street.”

For confidential crisis support, please contact Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14