The 68-year-old father who shot dead his two teenage children in Sydney’s north-west on Thursday has been named as John Edwards.
NSW Police said the murder of Edwards’ 13-year-old daughter, and 15-year-old son at their mother’s home in West Pennant Hills was “premeditated and planned”.
Edwards was found dead at his house in Harris Street, Normanhurst, five kilometres away.
Det Supt Brett McFadden said two “powerful” handguns registered in Edwards’ name were discovered at the Normanhurst house.
“We understand that those handguns came into his possession lawfully earlier this year,” he said.
McFadden confirmed the teenagers’ mother, aged 36, arrived at the house in West Pennant Hills shortly after the police and was treated for severe shock by paramedics.
“The mother resided at the address at Pennant Hills with the two children. The 68-year-old did not reside at the house. He had to attend to commit the crime.
“I do know there were some custody hearings over the last two years.”
Police officers were called to a house on Hull Road, off the Cumberland Highway in West Pennant Hills at around 5:20pm on Thursday evening after receiving reports of gunshots.
Homicide police are piecing together what took place in the moments immediately before and straight after the double shooting of two teenagers in their Sydney home. @mr_timdavies #9News pic.twitter.com/6xgPAeKOga
— 9News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) July 6, 2018
If you are seeking support and information about suicide prevention, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
If you are seeking support and information about Domestic Violence, you can contact 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732.
