Tragic Accident on Windellama Farm: Young Boy Fatally Shot in Neck During Firearm Mishap, 14-Year-Old Charged with Possessing Unauthorized Gun, and 33-Year-Old Man Faces Charges for Unsafe Weapon Storage
Windellama, NSW – April 13, 2025 — A devastating incident in the rural community of Windellama, New South Wales, has left a family and region in mourning after a young boy tragically lost his life in what police are describing as an accidental shooting. The child, whose age has not yet been officially disclosed but is believed to be under 10 years old, was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the neck while on a farm property in the area.
The tragedy occurred as a group of individuals, including the child, a 14-year-old boy, and a 33-year-old man, were involved in returning a firearm to Sydney from the regional property. According to investigators, the gun accidentally discharged during the handling or transport process, striking the young victim and causing fatal injuries. Emergency services were called to the scene, but despite their best efforts, the child was pronounced dead shortly after first responders arrived.
New South Wales Police have since launched a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has raised serious concerns about firearm safety and access to weapons in rural settings. As a result of the preliminary investigation, authorities have charged a 14-year-old boy with possessing an unauthorized firearm, suggesting that he was in physical control or near proximity to the weapon when it discharged. The boy, whose identity has been withheld due to his age, has been released into the care of his parents and is scheduled to appear in a Children’s Court at a later date.
In addition to the charge against the teen, a 33-year-old man—believed to be a relative or guardian—has also been charged with multiple offenses related to unsafe storage of firearms and failure to comply with firearm safety legislation. Authorities allege that the man did not take adequate precautions to secure the weapon, enabling the accidental circumstances that led to the child’s death.
Superintendent Scott Tanner of the Hume Police District addressed the media on Sunday, offering condolences to the family and emphasizing the importance of secure firearm storage. “This is a devastating incident that has forever changed a family and a community,” Tanner said. “While we believe the shooting itself was accidental, there are clear legal responsibilities when it comes to firearm ownership and storage. This tragedy might have been preventable.”
The incident has once again reignited public discussion around gun safety in Australia, particularly in rural and farming communities where firearms are more commonly owned and used for legitimate agricultural purposes. Though Australia has some of the strictest gun control laws in the world following the 1996 Port Arthur massacre, concerns persist over the enforcement of those regulations in remote areas.
“Firearms have their place in rural Australia, but with ownership comes immense responsibility,” said Samara Kent, spokesperson for Gun Safety Australia. “We need to make sure that adults are not only following the law but are modeling safe behavior for young people. This tragedy shows what can go terribly wrong when those obligations are not met.”
Windellama, located roughly 280 kilometers southwest of Sydney, is known for its tight-knit farming community. Residents were shaken by the news, with many expressing sorrow and disbelief. A local farmer who wished to remain anonymous said, “We all know each other out here. This kind of thing hits hard. You don’t expect a child to die like this, not in a place like Windellama.”
The school the child attended has activated its critical response team, and grief counseling is being offered to students, teachers, and families affected by the incident. A memorial is being planned by the community to honor the boy’s memory.
Legal proceedings are ongoing. The 33-year-old man will face charges in a local court later this month. Authorities have not ruled out further charges as the investigation continues and forensic examination of the firearm and the scene are completed.
NSW Police have issued a renewed warning to firearm owners across the state: secure all weapons in accordance with state laws, store ammunition separately, and never allow unsupervised access—especially by minors.
As the Windellama community struggles to come to terms with the tragedy, the case serves as a stark and painful reminder of the irreversible consequences that can result from even a momentary lapse in firearm safety.