Tragedy in Coonabarabran: Beloved Grandmother Kathleen Heggs Accused of Killing Grandsons Sam, 6, and Max, 7, in Shocking Double Murder

COONABARABRAN, NSW — A wave of shock and sorrow continues to engulf the small rural community of Coonabarabran after the tragic deaths of two young brothers, Sam, 6, and Max, 7, who were allegedly killed by their grandmother, Kathleen Heggs, in what locals are calling an unimaginable act of despair.

The grim discovery was made on Monday afternoon, May 5, when police forced their way into a modest home after Heggs, 66, made a chilling phone call to the New South Wales Department of Communities and Justice around 1:30 p.m. In that call, she reportedly stated that her grandsons were dead and that she needed help. The department immediately notified law enforcement.

Upon arrival at the residence on the quiet 800 block of Coonabarabran, officers found the lifeless bodies of the two young boys—each in separate rooms. There were no visible injuries or weapons present, leading investigators to believe the children may have been suffocated. Kathleen Heggs was found at the scene with self-inflicted injuries, allegedly having attempted to take her own life. She was promptly transferred to a mental health facility in Orange for emergency psychiatric care.

Police confirmed on Wednesday that charges are expected to be filed once Heggs is deemed medically stable and released from psychiatric supervision. Detectives are preparing to charge her with two counts of murder.

A Town Shattered

The entire community of Coonabarabran—a close-knit town of roughly 2,400 residents nestled in central-western New South Wales—is reeling from the horror. The tragedy has left neighbors, school staff, and local families grappling with heartbreak, confusion, and disbelief.

“She was always lovely, just a really nice lady,” said Kodi Brady, a family friend and local parent whose son often saw Max and Sam at school gates, soccer games, and karate lessons. “You never expect something like this from someone who seemed so gentle.”

Other locals echoed similar sentiments, describing Heggs as a kind woman who had seemingly taken on the responsibility of raising her grandsons out of love and duty. “They looked like a happy family,” one neighbor said. “No one saw this coming.”

While the motive remains unclear, some friends fear that Heggs may have reached a devastating mental and emotional breaking point. Sources close to the family said she had been under immense stress in recent months, possibly related to family dynamics, financial pressure, or the ongoing challenges of caregiving.

Community Grieves and Seeks Answers

A memorial of flowers, teddy bears, and handwritten notes has grown outside the home where the tragedy occurred. Teachers at the boys’ school have held special assemblies and provided grief counselors for classmates and staff who knew and loved the two vibrant boys.

“They were bright, full of life, always smiling,” said one of their teachers, holding back tears. “This is a loss that words can’t even begin to describe.”

As the police investigation continues, NSW Police are urging anyone with information that might shed light on the circumstances leading up to the alleged killings to come forward.

A spokesperson for the Department of Communities and Justice said they are reviewing their response timeline and support protocols, especially given that Heggs had reached out to them minutes before the tragedy was discovered.

A Call for Mental Health Awareness

The case has sparked a broader conversation about the mental health needs of caregivers and grandparents raising children. Experts say it’s essential to ensure support systems are in place for older caregivers, particularly those taking on parental roles under stressful or unexpected circumstances.

For now, Coonabarabran mourns the loss of Sam and Max, two innocent lives cut tragically short, and hopes for healing in the difficult weeks ahead.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14 or visit www.lifeline.org.au for support.